Filed under: Bangladesh, Children, Community, Donate!, ECHO, Education, Food, Orphans, Shelter | Tags: Bangladesh, Donation, Education, Orphans
By Naoshin Haque
There are an astounding 250,000 to 400,000 children living on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, according to a study done by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Looking at a typical day in the lives of these homeless children is a big reminder of how much we tend to take for granted in our own day to day lives. Children such as Yusuf, 14, and Smaile, 10, start their mornings at 4AM, after sleeping on hard wooden planks, and soon after begin their search for empty bottles, which they will try to sell after filling them with fresh water. Later in the day, they go to the harbor in search of more work, consisting of carrying bags and boxes. Even after working 6 hours or more, they earn less than $1USD and normally must resort to begging for meals at local cafes.
There does seem to be a silver lining to this cloud though, as Yusuf and Smaile will soon permanently move to a center supported by UNICEF, where they can eat, sleep, and receive informal education, as well as vocational training. However, not all children living in the slums of Dhaka are so lucky – many continue to remain homeless and without an education. To help mitigate this problem, ECHO has recently partnered with GiveLight Foundation to build an orphanage for 50 orphan girls.
Already, half an acre of land in Savar, an area near Dhaka, has been generously donated by a family in Bangladesh for the construction of the orphanage, slated to begin this spring. ECHO’s mission has always been to not only help children in the short term, but to also help them in the long term by providing them with the tools to become self-sufficient members of society. Therefore, this orphanage will not just provide food and shelter, but will also provide education for these girls through an on site school. Together with your help, we can make this orphanage a reality sooner, so please, give the gift of housing and education by making a donation today.
*Photo Credit: Casey McCarthy of UNICEF*
Filed under: Bangladesh, Donate!, ECHO, Emergency Relief, Fundraiser, Health Care, Orphans | Tags: Donation, Earthquake, Haiti
By Samihah Azim
With the worst earthquake in two centuries devastating the developing nation of Haiti, it’s important to remember that long after the immediate impact of a natural disaster, after most people’s minds have moved on to other calamities and crises around the world, help (particularly financial and redevelopment assistance), is still desperately needed. Take, for example, the tsunami that hit Indonesia and South East Asia or the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Even years after both tragedies occurred, there’s still a need for redevelopment assistance – there are schools and other infrastructure that need to be rebuilt as well as a local economy that needs assistance.
A couple of years ago, a cyclone devastated the south-western coast of Bangladesh. In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, there was an outpouring of aid and support from the international community. However, looking at Bangladesh now, there’s still a lot that needs to get done but won’t either because of financial constraints, or limited resources. This is why it is so important to keep in mind the long-term financial need for areas of the world struck by natural disasters. Often, it is long after a devastating calamity has struck and long after people’s minds have moved on, that these areas need the most assistance. The area hit by the cyclone in Bangladesh still needs assistance whether in a financial form, or in the form of schools, hospitals, and orphanages. This is what ECHO strives to do – not just provide aid immediately after a natural disaster, but to continue to provide aid even after the international community, with their generous support and donations, has left.
When donating to Haiti, remember that although there is an immediate financial need for support and aid, there will be, perhaps, an even greater need in the years to come. Try donating to organizations that focus on long-term redevelopment; these organizations will aid the communities devastated by horrific natural disasters for years to come – long after most people have left, and the need for rebuilding and jump starting the local economy are still there.
*Photo Credit: Flickr User Harpagornis*
