Blogs from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Asia - page 5

Bangladesh is choc-full of charities and NGOs. It’s a volunteer’s paradise because there is an endless number of organizations that need help. This weekend I visited the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), which is a very well-known organization in Bangladesh. Hospitals and clinics all around the country refer people to CRP for services, which are usually provided for free. Few people can afford health care here, and fewer have any form of health insurance. If you break your back in Bangladesh, CRP may be your only hope. Every year they host an Open Day, welcoming in neighbors and thanking sponsors. I was invited to attend as part of a group, which has worked with CRP inpatient children for years, helping them with physical rehabilitation in a swimming pool. We were greeted warmly by ... read more

Geo: 24.7418, 90.4037After Volunteering, I now feel that I have contributed to the enjoyment and happiness of some of the people's lives I have met and it feels hugely rewarding. Even though I may not be helping them physically or financially I know that, as Brother Jean Jacques had pointed out, that even turning up and showing a presence has more of a positive impact than you would think.As part of our experience in Bangladesh, we had the privilege of helping out with disabled day cares, disabled adults and street kids. On the outside some of these people are very poor and neglected, left to the streets, this is the way of life in Bangladesh. But on the inside, a group of amazing people have come together to help create change, give hope and give these ... read more

Geo: 24.7418, 90.4037Is it possible to love a country after only being there for a few hours or even one day?For me, Bangladesh was this place, an underrated country, an unknown country and a forgotten country where the glamour and allure of India dwarf its smaller neighbor.My previous trip to India and the desire to go back had helped me from the moment we arrived. Just like India, Bangladesh has many attributes that I had forgotten; the traffic, noise, smells, sights, colours, religions, weather and people reminded me of this amazing culture. Within hours of being in Bangladesh I was falling in love and I already couldn't wait to experience a unique opportunity thanks to fate and love.Where to start? Well we were invited to help volunteer with a group called Taize who have been housing ... read more

If I can't even rack up the almost mandatory fifteen minutes of fame, does being in close proximity to someone famous count? While at Bangkok airport during a stopover, the passengers waiting to board the flight to Dhaka were in awe of a Bengali, and I was more than curious as to who he was. It seemed everyone wanted to shake the gent's hand and pose for a photo, and he was extraordinarily gracious with his time. There was such reverence on display, surely he couldn't be a politician! After arriving in Dhaka I found out from the hotel owner it was Dr Muhammad Yunus. I described the scene in Bangkok and she pointed to the map of Bangladesh on her wall, and asked if a portrait on it was the person. When I said yes, ... read more

I have arrived--back in the warm, sweaty embrace of Bangladesh. I'm not sure that this trip will produce any proper blogs, but I thought that I'd share some photos as a start. I spent my first few evenings in Dhaka with Hena and her girls. These photos are what happens when you give a point and shoot to two snap happy camera novices--a view of their own home in Kairal slum, Dhaka.... read more