Tuesday 7 November 2006

Bangladesh: SCAW Bedkit Questionnaire


Dear SCAW Donors,

In an effort to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the children, SCAW is conducting surveys during 2006/7 distributions.

We displayed a bedkit and asked five parents to examine the bedkit items and make their comments from the questionnaire. On this particular day, there were four mothers and one father.

The Bangladesh bedkit is a generous one. In addition to the basic items of mattress, bedsheets, pillow/case, mosquito net, and blanket, the bedkit also contains two sets of clothing, a school bag, water flask, drinking mug, lunch box and a wool shawl to wear during the winter season.

We asked each parent individually to make their comments as to:
  • the usefullness of the items,

  • which items they valued the most,

  • which item they valued the least, and

  • what other items they would like included.

As we neared the end of the survey we had generated a large group from the village! The Bangladesh people are very friendly and are naturally inquisitive!

It was indeed a wonderful experience for me to talk with the parents of children receiving a bedkit. All the parents were united is expressing their thanks for the bedkits and said, "Please come back the Bangladesh."

It was interesting to note that they valued the entire bedkit way beyond the actual cost of $30.00 CAD. This suggests that our Rotary partners are doing a good job of seeking out the best value for the best prices. It truly was a special time that will stay with me forever.

As one member of the Rotary Club of Dhaka said, "We can all rejoice in knowing that, as each child opens the bedkit, they can look forward to a warm and cozy sleep and attend school: the basic right of every child."

Norma Fenner
SCAW Travelling Volunteer

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