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Bangladesh: Our Final Day - in Dhaka!
This very unique distribution came to its highly successful
conclusion with a final 250 bedkits delivered to the children of Dhaka.
Everyone involved thanks the 6,000 children of Bangladesh
for waiting so patiently for their bedkits. Their smiles of delight show that
the wait was well worth it.
These smiles were only matched by those of the dedicated
members of the Rotary Club of Dhaka together with their volunteers who were on
hand to see this distribution completed and witness the children’s happiness.
Sleeping Kits distribution at Kaliganj Karim
Uddin Public Pilot High School.
Photo credit The Principal of the School Mr.
Khurshiduzzaman Ahmed.
Many thanks to Mr. Khurshiduzzaman Ahmed for bringing these
images to all in the SCAW family in Canada.
Bedkits distribution at T&T Ideal Girls High
School at Mohakhali, Dhaka, on the last day of sleeping bekit distribution. Total
bedkit distribution in Bangladesh was 6,000. Sleeping Children Around the
World thanks our donors for making the children smile. Children came early
morning in queues to receive the bedkits. It was a day for them of fun and
excitement.
Our thanks to Masud Alam for
these closing words and for his photos capturing the last day’s joy and
delight.
Chris Hills,
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Bangladesh: Mathpur
The penultimate distribution was held today in Mathpur;
with 350 bedkits it was quite a slow-down from the 1350 delivered yesterday.
These words from the Rotary Club of Dhaka
Day 8: 350 bedkit distribution at Madhpur
Gulnahar Charitable children hospital Pabna. Children came from nearby areas.
It was a day for joy and happiness for the kids
Tomorrow the team will
travel on to their final destination where the last 250 Bangladeshi children
will receive their bedkit gifts from Sleeping Children’s donors. The Rotary
Club of Dhaka working with countless volunteers, have enriched the lives of
6,000 children with their warmth and generosity.
Chris Hills; Team Leader for 
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Kenya: That's A Wrap!!
As we traveled from school to school, home to factory and through the streets of Nairobi slums, the picture became clear- the need here is great.
Over the last 10 days our SCAW Team delivered 4000 bed kits! Sweaters,mosquito nets, blankets, towels and comfy mattresses so 4000 Kenyan children can sleep at night and thrive the next day at school.
Thanks to all the generous donors, we have most definitely helped create a more hopeful and brighter future for thousands of children in Kenya❤️
Team Kenya 2017
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Bangladesh: Kashintapur
1350 bedkits handed out to 1350 delighted Bangladeshi
children all in one day!
The Rotary Club of Dhaka travelled east from Pabna (Rowly’s
home town) towards the Brahmaputra River to the town of Kashintapur.
There were local elections underway which caused some
concerns with travel for some of the children who had been selected to receive
a bedkit. Rather than disappoint any children the Rotary team made the decision
to postpone the first day and put two days worth of bedkits into one day’s
distribution.
The grounds of the Abdul Latif High School had been chosen
for this massive 1350 bedkit distribution. Luckily ten unexpected volunteers arrived at the last minute to help
with the workload!
The Rotary Team, assisted by willing volunteers, spent
seven hours straight in scorching temperatures, well over 30 degrees, to make
sure the 1350 children received their bedkits. A wonderful demonstartion of
dedication and commitment. Thank you!
The school Principal help end this successful day on a high
note when he invited all the
volunteers to supper. What a great gesture!
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Bangladesh: Kaligong
Still in the Lalmonirhat
District, Rotary Club of Dakha travelled to the town of Kaligong (Kaliganj) for
the sixth distribution day. This is again a mainly agricultural region with paddy (rice), wheat, tobacco, jute, potato, and
ginger being the major crops.
The distribution was held in
the Karimuddin Primary & High School, named after a
freedom fighter named Alhaj Karim Uddin Ahmed who was extremely dedicated
to his country.
The SKD kindly provided this commentary on the distribution:
Day 6 total distribution at Kaliganj 670 at
Karimuddin primary and high school. The school was built in 1865. It is in a
small village but students come regularly to attend the classes and happy to
see few of the student to attended some international competition and secured
prizes. Children were well disciplined and came in queues and after the handing
over the bedkids some were very courteous and says thank you. It is 1 hour 25
mints drive from Lalmonirhat. We have completed 4050 bedkits and we are now
start for Pabna and will distribute 1700 bedkits and rest 250 will distribute
at Dhaka.
There were volunteers from
the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts lending a helping hand.
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Amazing teamwork today! A combined effort from the SCAW team,Rotary Club, school administration and teachers made for a smooth, well organized distribution of 600 bed kits!
As the van pulled up to the school gate - we were greeted by an impressive turnout from the local Rotary and community. Very encouraging start😀
Once the last child received his bed kit- the SCAW team was treated to a delicious lunch of homemade Kenyan favorites - prepared by the teachers and parents.
Alongside lunch came some emotional words from the primary school staff- reinforcing what we know to be true ,and what becomes clearer everyday- SCAW is helping create brighter futures for children all over the planet -one good night sleep at a time❤️
Team Kenya 2017
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Kenya: Gratitude
600 Kenyan children will hopefully sleep more soundly tonight after our SCAW team's efforts at another Nairobi elementary school today!
After a morning of helping make kids smile - we were lucky enough to be invited into the homes of families who had already received bedkits through SCAW; including single mother, Mary and son John and a second ,extended family with grandmother and grandfather at the helm of a modest one bedroom dwelling.
Everyone we met expressed such gratitude - amazed by Canadian kindness and thankful for their life- changing bedkits. So meaningful to meet our bedkit families and experience SCAW's impact on such a profound and personal level.
Team Kenya 2017
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Bangladesh: Pathgram
Today 670 more bedkits were
given to excited Bangladeshi children in the town of Pathgram, making the grand
total of 3,380 bedkits generously donated by Sleeping Children’s supporters,
and handed to the children by the dedicated Overseas Volunteer Partners from
the Rotary Club of Dhaka and their many helpers. There are often as many as
thirty volunteers at these sites.
 |
| Chris Hills working via SKYPE with Rotary of Dhaka. |
The commentary below is
courtesy of the members of SKD:
Day 5: 670 bedkits distribution at Patgram a two
hours drive from Lalmonirhat town. It's a half an hour from the border of
India. Both the countries are divided by a barb-wire fence. The social economic
condition is very poor. The school children were lined up in a disciplined way
and the children change into their new dress and waiting eagerly for the bedkits.
During the war of liberation this area was all along liberated and Pakistani
forces never dare to come to Pathgram. Sector 6 was fighting along the area on
the 6th of December 1971 Lalmonirhat was freed. Pakistan Army surrendered to
the allied forces and a new country came in to being.
I am grateful for the daily
briefing from the core members of the Rotary Club of Dhaka. Their connection
through Skype has come through crystal clear, and we’ve exchanged thoughts and
ideas about the day’s events. My thanks to you all!
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Bangladesh: Lalmonirhat
This fourth day of the Bangladesh SCAW distribution found the
SKD team in Lalmonirhat (with the Dharla and Tista Rivers forming its
boundaries), in the town of Audimari, where the site was located in the local
sports arena, where under sunny skies, SKD again brought happiness to 670 local
children.
Lalmonirhat is notable for its folk culture including rhymes,
riddle, proverbs, Meyeligeet (song sung by women), Mantra, folk song,
Palligeeti, Baul song, etc.
Masud of Rotary Dhaka sent this history of the
area:
Day 4. 670 bedkits
distribution at Auditmari, Lalmonirhat. Lalmonirhat is located northern
borderline of Bangladesh. The previous name of the region was " Kamrup
Kingdom." There were many myths about naming the region. Some historians
believe that in the 19th century Bangladesh when Duras rail line was
constructed, workers found red stone mining in the land of the area.
Then it was named Lalmoni and later Lalmonirhat.
Some
historians think that a farmer's leader along with Nualdin fought against the
British soldiers and sacrificed their lives to establish the rights of the
farmers in 1783. Then the region was named after her. With the passing of time
Hat included with Lalmoni. During the war of liberation sector headquarters of
the sector 6 was located here at Burimari, Lalmonirhat.
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Kenya: Nairobi Factories
Visited three Nairobi factories today to get a firsthand look at where some of the contents of SCAW bedkits are made. One of the day's brightest stars was Priscilla - a local, small business woman who makes school backpacks for SCAW.
Her cottage industry has grown from an original staff of one to now six, today. She credits much of her success to the relationship with SCAW,that began some four years ago. It was all smiles as she proudly toured us around; so grateful for the opportunity SCAW has provided.
From mattresses and knit sweaters to t- shirts and backpacks - very encouraging to see SCAW's strong impact on economic development in Kenya!
Team Kenya 2017
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Her cottage industry has grown from an original staff of one to now six, today. She credits much of her success to the relationship with SCAW,that began some four years ago. It was all smiles as she proudly toured us around; so grateful for the opportunity SCAW has provided.
From mattresses and knit sweaters to t- shirts and backpacks - very encouraging to see SCAW's strong impact on economic development in Kenya!
Team Kenya 2017
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Bangladesh: Chilmari
The Rotary Club of Dhaka
moved efficiently through their third day’s distribution with 680 bedkits handed
over to the children of Chilmari.
The quotation below is from
Masudul Alam accompanying his pictures from the day in Chilmari.
Day 3: 680 bed kit distribution at Chilmari.
Once it was a major railway junction. Railways come from all over Bangladesh
and the passengers crossed Bhrammaputra by ferry to connect to northern
Bangladesh. River erosion had destroyed all the establishments including the
river port. People are the poorest of the poor. Even 15 years back this area
was net food deficit area. People were dying of starvation. There was only one
crop a year. Now with the support of the government and improved irrigation
produce 4 crops a year and the scenario has changed totally. If you look left
and right it is lush of green everywhere. This area is still the poorest in
Bangladesh.
Bedkit items:
- Groundsheet
- Pillow
- Pillow case
- Raincoat
- School bag
- Water bottle
- Flip-flops
- Boys/girls: two sets of
clothing each
- Towel
- Blanket
- MOSQUITO NET
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Kenya: 1200 More Children Sleeping Well!
Spent the morning delivering 600 bedkits to a primary school in one of Nairobi's largest slums that is shockingly home to over 1 million people.
We were greeted and treated to a number of powerful songs and performances from the students - so inspiring - especially considering their difficult circumstances.
After a short break we carried onto another extremely vulnerable elementary school where we successfully handed out another 600 bedkits!
So 1200 bedkits in all today! Looking forward to visiting factories tomorrow - interesting to see how and where all the bedkit contents are made! SCAW team is dusty, tired and pleased after another great day of helping give Kenya kids a better night sleep!
Team Kenya 2017
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We were greeted and treated to a number of powerful songs and performances from the students - so inspiring - especially considering their difficult circumstances.
So 1200 bedkits in all today! Looking forward to visiting factories tomorrow - interesting to see how and where all the bedkit contents are made! SCAW team is dusty, tired and pleased after another great day of helping give Kenya kids a better night sleep!
Team Kenya 2017
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Kenya: 592 More Bedkits Distributed!
A day of miles ....and a day of smiles! Traveled from Makindu to Nairobi and a second successful distribution of 592 bedkits!
Treated to lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Nairobi who expressed deep thanks to SCAW donors. Shared that they were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of SCAW and the supporters who make lives better for their children. A great day indeed.
Team Kenya 2017
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Treated to lunch hosted by the Rotary Club of Nairobi who expressed deep thanks to SCAW donors. Shared that they were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of SCAW and the supporters who make lives better for their children. A great day indeed.
Team Kenya 2017
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Kenya: Meeting Previous Recipients!
An early departure from Mombasa and we were on the road back to Nairobi! Stopped halfway at Makindu where we had a great chance to meet with kids who received SCAW bedkits last year. During a short Q and A it was soon clear -SCAW bedkits were a big hit! When asked if they liked getting and were still using the bedkits - students' hands shot up waving "YES!"
Said goodbye to a sea of smiling faces and were welcomed overnight at a Sikh Temple - thanks to our generous host Darsi Lotay! Ready for another day of helping change the lives of children in Kenya😀
Team Kenya 2017
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Said goodbye to a sea of smiling faces and were welcomed overnight at a Sikh Temple - thanks to our generous host Darsi Lotay! Ready for another day of helping change the lives of children in Kenya😀
Team Kenya 2017
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Bangladesh: Ulipur!
The Sleeping Children Overseas Volunteer Partner team
followed on their wonderful start by moving the distribution to the town of
Ulipur very close to the border with India, which is just to the east across the
Brahmaputra River.
Here I’m quoting from Mohammad Khaliquzzaman (Khaliq) the
SCAW team leader for this distribution.
Day 2, 680 bed-kits distributed to children of
far flung river shoals where mankind almost abandoned them and the nature is
often hostile, the total homestead are eroded overnight by the mighty Brahmaputra.
There is a long and harsh
history to this area, with crop failures, constant flooding, and starvation
amongst the people who call this place home. Recent times have brought better
conditions. Action by the Bangaldeshi Government, with improvements in cropping
techniques, have increased crop yields. This is highly important here as
agriculture supplies the highest source of income at 70% in the Ulipur
district.
The children receiving bedkits were drawn from a large
area, many being delivered to this central site by boat from their “island”
homes in the Brahmaputra.
The daily conversation with the SCAW team of Rotary Dhaka
via Skype has worked exceptionally well. The day went smoothly, with no
unforeseen emergencies, and a steady stream of 680 happy Bangladeshi children
eager to finally get that bedkit they have been patiently waiting for (four
months must be an eternity for a small child!)
Many thanks again to Rotary Club of Dhaka for their great
dedication and enthusiasm; and of course for these wonderful pictures.
Team Bangladesh 2017
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Bangladesh: A Different Approach!
Today (Monday
February 27th 2017) marks the beginning of an unique distribution for
Sleeping Children Around the World and its Overseas Volunteer Partner.
In July 2016,
the Canadian Government issued a warning regarding “non-essential” travel to
Bangladesh. It strongly advised travellers not
to visit the country in light of a recent tragic attack on foreign nationals.
To date, as
that advisory has not been lifted, the Canadian SCAW team has been unable to team up with the
Rotary Club of Dhaka to work together distributing 6,000 bedkits to needy
Bangladeshi children.
The original
schedule would have had the distribution start in November 2016, and in the
lead-up to that date the hope from everyone was that the advisory would have
changed. It did not and it became apparent that a new date would have to be
decided upon, and that became February 2017.
The children
were selected, the bedkits manufactured and in storage, the distribution sites
organised: all this being efficiently organised by the willing volunteers of
the Rotary Club of Dhaka under the leadership of Bayezidur Rahman.
With the
inability of the SCAW team to travel, the duties they would normally have
carried out are now being undertaken by the Rotary team. They have embraced the
challenge with such enthusiasm and confidence, it’s heartwarming!
With daily
communication between Bangladesh and Sleeping Children here, together we will
work though this unique opportunity and bring about the desired result...6,000
smiling children with bedkits.
Today the
Overseas Volunteer Partner team of Bayezidur Rahman, Mohammad Khaliquzzaman, Ranjan Neogi, RI Rowly, and Masud
Alam (with countless other volunteers) started the distribution off in grand
style with 680 bedkits given out in Rowmari, in the far north of Bangladesh.
These children come from one the poorest areas of the
country, living mostly on “islands” in the Brahmaputra River, where season
flooding periodically destroys those islands and creates new ones. These young
children would have seen their homes destroyed at least twice in their young
lives.
Our thanks go to the Rotary Dhaka, and all the SCAW donors,
for bringing some hope and improvement to the children of this area of
Bangladesh.
Chris Hill, Team Leader connected by SKYPE to Rotary Club
of Dhaka.
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Bangladesh 2017: Post Your Comments Here:
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Kenya: Thank You Donors!
The first Mombasa distribution of 1000 bed kits to some very happy
children!
Team Kenya is going to bed smiling knowing that 1000 children will have a good night sleep with pleasant dreams of today!
Thank you Donors!
Team Kenya 2017
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Team Kenya is going to bed smiling knowing that 1000 children will have a good night sleep with pleasant dreams of today!
Thank you Donors!
Team Kenya 2017
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Kenya: The Team Has Arrived!
Kenya 2017 team has arrived safely!
Preparing for distribution of 1,000 bed kits tomorrow!!
Back row left to right: Clarence Deyoung, Susan Plasteras, Connie Beaton
Front row left to right: Susan Hicks, Karen Scott, Jill Plasteras, Cheryl Warner
Team Kenya 2016