“SHAPLA NEER = Citizens’ Committee in Japan for Overseas Support” is a Japan-based international non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1972.
Following Bangladesh’s independence, our work begun with rural development initiatives. Through years of trial and error, we have been working in close dialogue with communities to undestand what forms of engament are truly needed.
Today, our activities extend across Bangladesh, Nepal and Japan. Through citizen-led initiatives such as preventing child labour, strengthening disaster preparedness and promoting multicultural coexistence, we work toward a poverty-free society.
Our Mission
We envision a poverty-free society where the rich potential of every person can flourish.
What Our Organization’s Name Means
The name, SHAPLA NEER, reflects the origin of our work. In Bangli, the national language of Bengladesh, Shapla Neer means “house of water lilies”. “Shapla” is the national flower of Bangladesh.
Summary of our organization
| Offitial Title | （Japanese title） 特定非営利活動法人シャプラニール＝市民による海外協力の会 （English title） SHAPLA NEER = Citizens’ Committee in Japan for Overseas Support |
|---|---|
| Location |
2-3-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan 169-8611 |
| Activities |
BANGLADESH – Support for girls working as domestic workers – Support for community disaster preparedness in cyclone prone areas – Support for child labour reduction in rural areas NEPAL JAPAN – Support handicraft producers to improve their livelihoods and communities through Fair Trad Various activities related to those listed above |
| Chairperson | Mayumi Murayama |
| Secretary General | Emiko Fujioka |
| Staff | Japan: 13 employees Bangladesh: 8 employees (includes 1 resident Japanese employees) Nepal: 6 employees (includes 1 resident Japanese employee) |
| Established | September 1972 |
| Registered as NPO | August 2001 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo |