ABOUT THE PROGRAM
While the school in Naogoan has been closed for much of the pandemic, our partner in Bangladesh has found creative ways to support the children in the group empowerment program. Here are a few of the activities that have been continuing, despite lockdowns:
EDUCATION – The school has been delivering tools and educational aids to make sure children stay engaged in their learning, rather than getting lured into child labour.
MENTAL HEALTH – Our partner has been closely monitoring and mitigating the impact of exploitation and abuse on the mental well-being of the children.
HEALTHCARE – Teachers and doctors have been keeping track of the weight, height, and health of each child, and taking action where necessary.
The children are eager to return to school, and our partner’s goal is to prepare them mentally and physically for a successful transition.
MEET SOME OF THE CHILDREN YOU SUPPORT
JOHN
John is in Grade 3 at the Naogoan free school. He contracted Typhoid fever at the age of 3, which left him unable to walk, partly because of the lack of medical education in his community. John wants to become a doctor so he can help similar children avoid the health problems that left him physically handicapped.
BISWAS
Biswas’ father lost his income because of the pandemic, and could no longer provide his family with education and food. His mother works every day as a cook, but her income alone is not enough. Thankfully, Biswas and his brother have escaped child labour because of the Naogoan free school, where they also benefit from International Needs food parcels to stay nourished.
RITA
Biswas’ father lost his income because of the pandemic, and could no longer provide his family with education and Rita is one of three children. She loves drawing pictures, and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. However, her home life is not ideal. Rita’s father doesn’t earn enough money to feed the family, and has not been supportive of Rita’s desire to get an education. Because of the pandemic, Rita has been stuck at home in this bad situation, but her admittance to the tuition-free Naogoan school in 2021 has given her and her mother hope for the future.