Bangladesh: Our first distribution

After months of waiting for our first distribution assignment, here we are – standing in Bangladesh waiting for the first bus of children to arrive.

The first bus pulls up shortly after 8 am, followed by another ten minutes later, then another, then another. Within the hour a sea of children filled the distribution courtyard.

Some travelled as far as 150 km, and many arrived without so much as shoes on their feet. A small grin creeps across our faces as we know that when the kids open their bedkit they’ll find a pair of brand new flip flops.

As wave after wave of children come and go from the courtyard it becomes apparent to us how much time and effort was put forth by the Rotary Club of Dhaka to arrange and organize today’s distribution. Hats off to their team.

First stop – changing into their new donated outfits. The girls appear from the change room in beautiful and colourful salwar kameezes. The boys have new pants and a warm shirt for the approaching winter months.

Next stop – picture time. The children are set up. Some sit, some stand. “Everyone smile.”

And now, for the best part – the bedkit. We share a word or two with each child ... whatever we can communicate in the two different languages. Some hesitate as they take the big bundle. Some of the smallest kids quickly and easily hoist the heavy bed kits up onto their heads and head for the gate with a huge smile across their face.

As they leave we are overwhelmed with the pride and emotion of being part of such a great experience.

After the last child gets on the last bus, the joint SCAW/Rotary Club of Dhaka Team celebrates a successful Day One over a meal.

Good Night from Bangladesh,
SCAW Newbie #1: Steve Allen
SCAW Newbie #2: Danielle Lalonde
for Bangladesh Team 2010

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