Bangladesh: Banaripara - Leading by Example!
A most rewarding distribution today. 500 hundred bedkits successfully distributed in Banaripara. Banaripara is a south central village in the Division of Barisal approximately 250 km south of the capital city of Dhaka. The location of the distribution took place on the property of Captain Moazzam and his wife Farzana Hossain. The hosts opened their home and the surrounding grounds for a successful distribution.
At each of the distributions, the word, sponsorship has been regularly shared between the Rotarians and volunteers from the local village. Prior to the bedkits being distributed today, I had a brief opportunity to speak with Rotarians of Dhaka and with Moazzam (past President for the Rotarians of Dhaka) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the term, sponsorship. It was explained, that sponsorship is a large component of what makes the distribution successful. Most often an individual or a number of individuals will sponsor the children who are receiving the be kits. This is not to be confused with the purchase of a bedkit which is completed by the donor. Sponsoring children at a distribution entails paying for the packing and storage of the bedkits prior to distribution, the cost of transporting the bedkits to the distribution site, financially covering the costs of trainers who teach the volunteers what is necessary for a successful distribution, and the costs for the visiting managers who visit the site in advance to check on its suitability and preparedness. An individual can also sponsor a light one time meal for each child and pay their transportation costs if the children are transported from a distance away from the site.
Today, Captain Moazzam and Farzana Hossain covered 100% all of the costs including a meal and the transportation of all 500 children. Today, some children travelled up to four hours one way by boat and then bus to the site and then home again in the mid-afternoon. Moazzam and Farzana also fed well over 40 volunteers and the local security personal with a wonderful and healthy lunch and tea in their home.
When I spoke with Moazzam, he indicated that it is his and his wife’s love for others and a need to share what they are able, to help the children in Bangladesh. There were 500 smiling children today and their families will have a good sleep this evening. The Hossain family set a clear example for others on what it means to be giving and to make a difference for children.
Neil Chopp for Team Bangladesh
Bangladesh: Gournadi!
Today saw our team visit the village of Gournadi, in southern Bangladesh. On our arrival we saw the now familiar crowds of parents and children. It was actually pretty noisy and a bit chaotic but it didn't take long for the local Rotarians to get things in order. The children here struck us as a bit poorer than other areas, but just as friendly and enthusiastic as every other town we've visited. Their parents all called out lots of thank yous when we approached them at the gates. We successfully distributed 700 bedkits to children who will sleep well tonight.
At the end of our work, we were invited to tour a typical home in the village. Our "tour guide" was a beautiful young girl who spoke excellent English and proudly showed us her bedtoom, kitchen, and study area piled high with books. Her favorite subject is math. We were then invited for a delicious Bangladeshi lunch in the nearby dining hall and then we're on our way back to our hotel. Another successful day of distributing bedkits. Today we have distributed a total of 4600 bedkits and have 4 more distributions to complete our 6000.
Only another 1400 bedkits left to distribute!
Debbie Stelzer for Team Bangladesh
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Bangladesh: Barisal
Judy Snobelen for Team Bangladesh
Bangladesh: Bhola
After our rest days in Dhaka we had to travel to Bhola. We started the day disembarking from an overnight launch (a Bangladesh river ferry) from Dhaka
During the day we traveled by our mini bus, speed boat and ended the day in the back of a mini city taxi
This was our largest distribution of 1000 bed kits the weather was beautiful and the children were excited and well protected under canopies from the sun. It turned out our host for the day was a Bangladeshi man from Bhola who was also a successful Canadian businessman.
We were treated to a sumptuous lunch of lobster, rice and Bangldeshi sweets.
1000 bedkits and 1000 smiles another perfect day.
George Foster for Team Bangladesh 2015
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During the day we traveled by our mini bus, speed boat and ended the day in the back of a mini city taxi
We were treated to a sumptuous lunch of lobster, rice and Bangldeshi sweets.
1000 bedkits and 1000 smiles another perfect day.
George Foster for Team Bangladesh 2015
Bangladesh: Saidpur
An extraordinary distribution today. Six hundred bedkits successfully distributed in Saidpur. Saidpur is a northwestern village in the Division of Rangpur, Bangladesh, approximately 330km north of the capital city of Dhaka. This being my first experience for Sleeping Children around the World, I have acquired a deeper understanding as to how many individuals and groups of people, such as the Rotary Club members, local officials, SCAW volunteers and the donors, that are needed to make a distribution successful.
Before the bedkits were distributed today, the children were able to see what a bedkit consists of which raised their level of excitement and anticipation. Six hundred children and families of incredible poverty will have the comfort of a bed kit in their homes this evening. It is hoped that these children and their families will have a good sleep for many years to come and thereby increase the chances of a positive and successful day in the fields or village where they work, or in schools where they learn.
During this distribution today, I was given the privileged of completing interviews with the moms of the children receiving bedkits. A local nun from a nearby school, Sister Celine Baroi, assisted me in the translation of the questions and answers. When asked, which item in the bedkit did the mom believe will have the greatest impact for their child and family, they unanimously answered the mosquito net. Each of the moms interviewed today wished to pass on a message to the donors, that they will pray to Allah to bless the donor and to say thank you.
Neil Chopp for Bangladesh Team 2015
Bangladesh: Days of Rest!
I woke this morning to the first Call to Prayer, and enjoyed its haunting and peaceful tones.
A fine way to start a day!
To date, in our four days of distributions, 2,400 Bangladeshi children have received a bedkit. These are children exactly as our own - funny, daring, shy, excited, timid, wide-eyed, full of promise - and last night each of them would have gone to bed with gifts from our SCAW donors that might ease the way to their becoming more of the people they already are.
After our last distribution when we returned to our hotel, the Canadian Bangladeshi team and many of our Rotarians and Rotaractors ventured out to a neighourhood tea shack. It was the perfect end of a day! It was a cozy spot with an inside table for 6 or 8, and of course, lots of road space outside to stand and talk.
It had a hand pump well for the water, a fire of pressed rice stalks under the kettle, fresh ginger and other condiments ready, and honestly, it was the best cuppa ever!
Good tea and good company! It gets no better!
A fine way to start a day!
To date, in our four days of distributions, 2,400 Bangladeshi children have received a bedkit. These are children exactly as our own - funny, daring, shy, excited, timid, wide-eyed, full of promise - and last night each of them would have gone to bed with gifts from our SCAW donors that might ease the way to their becoming more of the people they already are.
After our last distribution when we returned to our hotel, the Canadian Bangladeshi team and many of our Rotarians and Rotaractors ventured out to a neighourhood tea shack. It was the perfect end of a day! It was a cozy spot with an inside table for 6 or 8, and of course, lots of road space outside to stand and talk.
It had a hand pump well for the water, a fire of pressed rice stalks under the kettle, fresh ginger and other condiments ready, and honestly, it was the best cuppa ever!
Good tea and good company! It gets no better!
We have completed the northern districts of Bangladesh for our bedkit distributions and will be leaving on an in-country flight then take some rest for a couple days. We will then move to another part of Bangladesh where we will visit 7 more districts in another part of the country to complete the remaining 3,600 bedkits.
Mary-Jo Lang for Team Bangladesh 2015
Bangladesh: Lalmonirhat
Today's distribution was organized by the Rotary Club of Lalmonirhat along with the support of 3 other Rotary clubs from the surrounding area. We had the pleasure of doing the distribution on the grounds of a cricket arena. Of the 800 bedkits given today, 200 were given to the very needy children from the "enclaves" which are small pockets of land on India's bordering territory where the actual nationality of the people is Bangladeshi. The outfits included with the bedkit consisted of a lovely fuscha dress with polka dots for the younger girls aged six to nine and a salwar kameez in turquoise with polka dots for the older girls. The boys aged six to nine are dressed in beige shorts and orange shirts while the older boys are outfitted in beige pants and a light blue shirt. There outfits create a wonderful splash of colour in the photos that are taken. We did a special photo with 100 children seated in the shape of a company logo. A special thanks to all the donors for making this possible. We could have not done this without your support. 
Theodora Nandy for Team Bangladesh 2015
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Bangladesh: Mithapukur (Day 2 Afternoon)
On the afternoon of our second distribution day the team visited a new location, a school in the village of Mithapukur. Four hundred children already dressed in their new summer outfits greeted us as we pulled into the school yard...not to mention some goats and cows! Not only were the children looking great, their mothers were all gathered together to watch the activities and they made quite the impact in their colorful saris.
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Many of the older children demonstrated the English they have learned. Every time they were asked "how are you" they never failed to respond with a "very well thank you how are you" . One of our Bangladesh Rotary Club partners explained today how far they have come in the health and education of their children, especially girls. In one village they have achieved 100 percent literacy. Mother's are now registering their children for school 2 years ahead of their start date. I'm sure getting a good night's sleep is a big part of this accomplishment.
Debbie Stellzer for Team Bangladesh 2015
Bangladesh: Pairabandh
On our bus ride this morning we passed many beautiful green rice fields on our way to "Pairabandh" the first site of today. The children were arriving at different times and were so excited to change into their new clothes. We started with some large groups, rows of children in their bright colours, blue, orange and pink. What a sight! They were so happy to help hold the bedkit items. We distributed 400 bedkits this morning to some very needy children. Lots of sweat and tears.today but what a privilege to to be here.
Judy Snobelen for Team Bangladesh 2015
Bangladesh: Day 1 - Jaldhaka
First thing this morning, we had an in-country flight with a small distribution of 200 bedkits on the way to our overnight lodging. This was a small distribution but a great way to start. We were so pleased that the children were all dressed and prepared for our arrival. Their greetings of singing was much appreciated. The children were extremely well behaved and polite so this allowed us to complete the distribution quickly. After a delicious lunch served by our hosts we were able to continue onto our overnight stay with our still jet lagged team.
Mike Foster for Team Bangladesh
Bangladesh: The Team Has Arrived!
The Bangladesh 2015 Team has arrived safely in Dhaka Bangladesh. The team was greeted with open arms by the Rotary Club of Dhaka. A day of rest before the start of our distribution of 6000 bedkits.
Team Bangladesh 2015
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Theo Nandy, Judy Snobelen, Neil Chopp, George Foster,
Mike Foster, Mary Jo Lang and Debbie Sttelzer
Left to Right
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Team Bangladesh 2015
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Bangladesh 2015: Waiting for the team
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A visit to the packaging centre by Mike Foster in preparation for the upcoming distribution. Click photo(s) to see larger version. | ||
The Rotary Club of Dhaka is anxiously waiting for the arrival of the 2015 SCAW Bangladesh Team. All 6,000 bedkits have been packaged and are ready for the transportation to the distribution sites.
The Rotary Club has been meeting weekly and sometimes daily to complete all the final arrangements for the distribution.
Mike Foster
for Team 2015 Bangladesh
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Sri Lanka: Mission Accomplished!!
The 2015 SL Team has completed our distribution and we are preparing to travel home today. After a busy week, we've had a wrap up meeting with the rotarians and have begun to reflect on our work and make recommendations for the next distribution.
During the distribution, members of the team had the opportunity to interview bedkit recipients. This helps us evaluate the contents of the kit and find out more about the families who receive these gifts from our donors.
Julie, Gail and Susan did interviews with the help of the rotarians and learned a lot more about Sri Lanka and the lives of the people in each region we distributed in. Because of the demands on family life, a range of caregivers accompanied children to the distribution and the team was able to interview mothers, fathers and grandparents.
One highlight was the real value of the bedkit, not just in practical terms, but also financially. Some parents told us that the value represented at least three days wages, for an occasional labourer. Work for them is not always regular with farming and industry greatly affected by the changing weather. The rainy season brings particular hardship in some of the areas we worked in; causing crop loss and a variety of health issues.
It has been an emotional experience for the SCAW team, travelling through areas of Sri Lanka that were greatly impacted by civil war in the not-so-distant past. We understand that there will always be a greater need than what we can give, but after seeing 4,500 grateful smiles, the team feels hopeful knowing that a safer and more peaceful future lies ahead for these children.
To close our live reports, we wanted to share a few photos of happy families departing with their bedkits. Thank you for your comments, donations and support.
- Team Sri Lanka 2015
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Sri Lanka: Visit To A Recipient's Home
After another successful day distributing bedkits Team SL 2015, travelled to the home of one of our bedkit recipients to better understand the impact of our work.
After a few delays to our journey due to road closures and our mini-bus struggling with the smaller local roads, the team climbed into a jeep provided by the Sri Lankan military and made our way to the home.
We met a young mother with three children whose story was very touching. She was a single mother sharing a small home with her father. She and her three children shared a single room which served as kitchen, bedroom and living room. Her story was humbling, but through the difficulties she has faced she was very proud to show us the new home that was being built for her and her children about fifty meters down the path.
This three roomed structure of clay, wood and metal would provide more living space for the family when it is completed. The SCAW team was comforted to know that the bedkit would serve the family well, not just today but well into the future when they move into their new home.
Team Sri Lanka 2015
Sri Lanka: International Children's Day in Sri Lanka
How wonderful to have one of our distributions coincide with this special day!
School was hopping with singing competitions, games and ice cream treats. Teachers and children alike were caught up in the Sfestivities. It didn’t take long for the SCAW team to join the fun.
School was hopping with singing competitions, games and ice cream treats. Teachers and children alike were caught up in the Sfestivities. It didn’t take long for the SCAW team to join the fun.
It was particularly meaningful as 444 of the bedkits were from St. Brigid School in Georgetown, ON. Children helping children!
On our way out, all the school children were dancing to music from the radio, so we had to join in the festivities. Enjoy the photos and the video!
Team Sri Lanka 2015
Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa
Team Sri Lanka is pleased to report that we have completed our third day of distributions in the Polonnaruwa area - 2400 bedkits have been distributed and we only have 2100 left to go! We are sorry for the sporadic updates to the blog, weather has been wet and stormy, and as a consequence our access to internet has been scarce.
We know that friends and family will have been checking the blog for photos and updates, so we’ll give you what you came for with a run down of our typical day and some shots of Team SL 2015 in action.
Typically our day starts early and we work fast to beat the afternoon rain. Each day we arrive to schools at the start of the day and work through the hot morning sunshine to try and get our photography done outside. We have heard from locals on several occasions that “the rain has come early”, which means mother nature has thwarted our plans to complete the distribution before the inter-monsoon season sets in. Though our t-shirts are soaked, our spirits are not dampened!
SCAW supporters will know the daily routine: meet the children, set up, take photographs, monitor the process and hand out bed kits: all aided by the Rotarians who have hosted us and arranged the distributions with the Sri Lankan military. Here are some photos of the SCAW team in action:
While the children wait in line for their bed kits, it is important to keep them entertained. Chris H does a great job of this, with the aid of our toy bag.
Linda heads up the photography station, with help from Chris W who has also been taking shots.
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| Linda is photographer-bombed by a young boy who wants to get his own shot. |
Gail, Julie and Elizabeth all do a wonderful job of handing out bedkits, sharing the gifts sent by your donations.
Today, Susan helped by interviewing bedkit recipients to find out more about them and gather feedback to help improve future distributions.
But enough about the team, the real stars of each day are the children who come to collect their bedkits.
Rain or shine, the results is always rewarding!
More updates to come soon, thank you for all your comments and messages.
- Chris W (and the SL 2015 Team!)
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Sri Lanka: Distributions Day 1 and 2!
At the end of day we have distributed 1600 bed kits to very happy children. Even the monsoon rains couldn't prevent us from completing the task.
Here are some pictures so far from Thopawewa and Kegalugama. More to come tomorrow.
Team Sri Lanka 2015
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Team Sri Lanka 2015
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Sri Lanka: A Brief Message From The Team!
In spite of the monsoon, we reached our first destination and distributed 800 bedkits. All is well. A tired but exhilarated team is off to bed. Hope to send photos tomorrow.
Team Sri Lanka 2015
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Team Sri Lanka 2015
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Sri Lanka: The Team Has Arrived!!
Team Sri Lanka is finally together!
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Chris Webb, Susan Simpson, Elizabeth Mukondiwa, Chris Hills
Front row: Gail Hills, Julie Carney, Linda Webb
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Susan flew into Peason from BC. At the layover in Heathrow, Chris W met up with us.
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| Chris W. and Susan inspecting the clothing |
Elizabeth from Zimbabwe, joined us in Colombo.
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| Chris H, Gail and Elizabeth checking the quality of the mosquito net.
We think Chris is checking visibility
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We received a warm welcome at the airport from Sarath, Ravi and Panni from the Rotary Club of Kelaniya. We have had a close alliance with this group for many years and are looking forward to many memorable moments as we work together to distribute 4,500 bedkits.
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| Julie adjusting bedkit setup |
Team Sri Lanka 2015