Bangladesh Rotary: Our first day

From Bangladesh 2009 Photo Album

In the beginning, the children's reactions as they entered the small community centre were mixed. Some were fearful, some were shy, and others had an expression of eager anticipation.

All were quiet and well-behaved which is amazing when you consider that some had been transported in an old bus over a distance of 24 km on crowded roads with the temperature at 9 am already 30 degrees. The trip took some of them at least 2 hours. The small bus was packed with at least 35 children all wondering what was to happen.

On arrival they changed into their new clothes in a small crowded unlit classroom, lined up, and waited politely.

From Bangladesh 2009 Photo Album

One of our volunteers opened up a bottle of bubble liquid and showed the children how to blow bubbles while they waited to have their photo taken. Expressions of fascination and puzzlement flitted across their faces as they watched their bubbles float away.

After their photo was taken their expressions turned to ones of excitement and awe as they were handed their own brand new bedkits. One volunteer tried to assist a little girl by carrying her bedkit. Her expression turned to one of fear. She thought that he was taking it away from her and she clung tightly to it. After quietly explaining th her he was going to help her and that the bedkit was really truly hers, the happy excited glow on her face returned.

Tonight there are 971 children with excited glowing faces who will be sleeping in comfort for the first time in their lives. No more dirt floors to sleep on thanks to all those people who gave so generously.

Joan Hryniw
for Team Rotary Bangladesh

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