History

A Brief History
In 2015, facilitated by Facebook, the SSC 1994 batch of Bharateswari Homes began reconnecting, uniting friends from across the country and abroad. Nostalgic conversations became a regular feature in a dedicated Messenger group. During one such discussion, Ms. Aparna Saha Apu raised the issue of a friend facing severe financial hardship. After several days of deliberation, the group decided to initiate a fundraising effort to support the friend in need.
On May 15, 2015, nine friends convened at the residence of Ms. Nahima Sultana Rekha in Jhigatola, Dhaka, while five others participated in discussions online. Following a detailed analysis, a proposal was made to establish a common fund rather than transferring the entire collected amount to the friend immediately. This common fund was envisioned as a sustainable resource to support other friends in similar crises in the future. However, considering various challenges such as continuity, accountability, and individual commitments, the group did not reach unanimous agreement on this long-term approach during the initial meeting.
Subsequent discussions culminated in the third meeting on July 24, 2015, held at Ms. Rumana Zaman’s residence. During this meeting, and in the presence of the friend in need, it was resolved that a fixed monthly amount would be disbursed to the friend’s account from the common fund until the resolution of their crisis. Additionally, a one-time financial contribution from willing friends was sent to provide immediate relief.
This initiative marked the inception of an organized effort. By September 2015, during the fifth meeting, an interim executive committee comprising nine members was formed with 18 founding members. Ms. Saria Nafia was appointed as President, and Ms. Nahima Sultana as General Secretary. In the initial phase, meetings were regularly held at members’ residences to inspire participation and promote organizational cohesion. Gradually, structured activities such as fundraising and providing educational scholarships were introduced.
In 2018, during a retreat/ picnic titled “Aye Mon Rong Chhorai” held at Ms. Dolly Akhter Hena’s Bagan Bari in Narayanganj, 26 members participated. This event saw the inclusion of several skilled and dedicated members, further strengthening the organization. On August 15, 2019, during the 22nd meeting, a 13-member executive committee was formally constituted in line with the organization’s developing constitution. The first Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on December 25, 2019. During this time, significant progress was made in institutionalizing organizational practices, including documentation, preparation of annual reports, and initiating the registration process.
During the 23rd meeting, the name “ESO” (Education and Solidarity Organization), proposed by Ms. Nasrin Akhter Dolly, was unanimously approved from several suggestions (আস্থা, একতা, ধুবতারা, বেস্ট, নোবেল, 4AB, মামাজ, আবেস, এসো).
Vision: Education for all and empowering underprivileged people.

Mission: To aware and involve our friends and acquaintances for their continuous support to establish a strong sustainable stipend system and to build a home for helpless and to ensure occupation.
The organization officially recognizes May 15, 2015, as its foundation date. In 2020, the registration process with the Department of Social Services was initiated. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, progress was delayed. Finally, on July 4, 2022, ESO received its official registration certificate, bearing the registration number Dh-09944.