Bangladesh: Lalmonirhat

Today's distribution was organized by the Rotary Club of Lalmonirhat along with the support of 3 other Rotary clubs from the surrounding area. We had the pleasure of doing the distribution on the grounds of a cricket arena.  Of the 800 bedkits given today, 200 were given to the very needy children from the "enclaves" which are small pockets of land on India's bordering territory where the actual nationality of the people is Bangladeshi.  The outfits included with the bedkit consisted of a lovely fuscha dress with polka dots for the younger girls aged six to nine and a salwar kameez in turquoise with polka dots for the older girls.  The boys aged six to nine are dressed in beige shorts and orange shirts while the older boys are outfitted in beige pants and a light blue shirt.  There outfits create a wonderful splash of colour in the photos that are taken.  We did a special photo with 100 children seated in the shape of a company logo.  A special thanks to all the donors for making this possible. We could have not done this without your support. 

Theodora Nandy for Team Bangladesh 2015
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Bangladesh: Mithapukur (Day 2 Afternoon)

On the afternoon of our second distribution day the team visited a new location, a school in the village of Mithapukur. Four hundred children already dressed in their new summer outfits greeted us as we pulled into the school yard...not to mention some goats and cows! Not only were the children looking great, their mothers were all gathered together to watch the activities and they made quite the impact in their colorful saris.  

Many of the older children demonstrated the English they have learned.  Every time they were asked "how are you" they never failed to respond with a "very well thank you how are you" . One of our Bangladesh Rotary Club partners explained today how far they have come in the health and education of their children, especially girls. In one village they have achieved 100 percent literacy. Mother's are now registering their children for school 2 years ahead of their start date.  I'm sure getting a good night's sleep is a big part of this accomplishment.

Debbie Stellzer for Team Bangladesh 2015

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Bangladesh: Pairabandh

On our bus ride this morning we passed many beautiful green rice fields on our way to "Pairabandh" the first site of today. The children were arriving at different times and were so excited to change into their new clothes. We started with some large groups, rows of children in their bright colours, blue, orange and pink. What a sight! They were so happy to help hold the bedkit items. We distributed 400 bedkits this morning to some very needy children. Lots of sweat and tears.today but what a privilege to to be here.  

Judy Snobelen for Team Bangladesh 2015

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Bangladesh: Day 1 - Jaldhaka

First thing this morning, we had an in-country flight with a small distribution of 200 bedkits on the way to our overnight lodging.  This was a small distribution but a great way to start. We were so pleased that the children were all dressed and prepared for our arrival. Their greetings of singing was much appreciated. The children were extremely well behaved and polite so this allowed us to complete the distribution quickly.  After a delicious lunch served by our hosts we were able to continue onto our overnight stay with our still jet lagged team. 

Mike Foster for Team Bangladesh

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Bangladesh: The Team Has Arrived!

The Bangladesh 2015 Team has arrived safely in Dhaka Bangladesh. The team was greeted with open arms by the Rotary Club of Dhaka.  A day of rest before the start of our distribution of 6000 bedkits.

Theo Nandy, Judy Snobelen, Neil Chopp, George Foster, 

Mike Foster, Mary Jo Lang and Debbie Sttelzer

Left to Right

Team Bangladesh 2015
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Bangladesh 2015: Waiting for the team

A visit to the packaging centre by Mike Foster in preparation for the upcoming distribution. Click photo(s) to see larger version.

The Rotary Club of Dhaka is anxiously waiting for the arrival of the 2015 SCAW Bangladesh Team. All 6,000 bedkits have been packaged and are ready for the transportation to the distribution sites.

The Rotary Club has been meeting weekly and sometimes daily to complete all the final arrangements for the distribution.

Mike Foster
for Team 2015 Bangladesh​

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Sri Lanka: Mission Accomplished!!

The 2015 SL Team has completed our distribution and we are preparing to travel home today. After a busy week, we've had a wrap up meeting with the rotarians and have begun to reflect on our work and make recommendations for the next distribution.

During the distribution, members of the team had the opportunity to interview bedkit recipients. This helps us evaluate the contents of the kit and find out more about the families who receive these gifts from our donors.

Julie, Gail and Susan did interviews with the help of the rotarians and learned a lot more about Sri Lanka and the lives of the people in each region we distributed in. Because of the demands on family life, a range of caregivers accompanied children to the distribution and the team was able to interview mothers, fathers and grandparents. 

One highlight was the real value of the bedkit, not just in practical terms, but also financially. Some parents told us that the value represented at least three days wages, for an occasional labourer. Work for them is not always regular with farming and industry greatly affected by the changing weather. The rainy season brings particular hardship in some of the areas we worked in; causing crop loss and a variety of health issues. 

It has been an emotional experience for the SCAW team, travelling through areas of Sri Lanka that were greatly impacted by civil war in the not-so-distant past.  We understand that there will always be a greater need than what we can give, but after seeing 4,500 grateful smiles, the team feels hopeful knowing that a safer and more peaceful future lies ahead for these children.

To close our live reports, we wanted to share a few photos of happy families departing with their bedkits. Thank you for your comments, donations and support.

- Team Sri Lanka 2015
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Sri Lanka: Visit To A Recipient's Home

After another successful day distributing bedkits Team SL 2015, travelled to the home of one of our bedkit recipients to better understand the impact of our work.

After a few delays to our journey due to road closures and our mini-bus struggling with the smaller local roads, the team climbed into a jeep provided by the Sri Lankan military and made our way to the home.

We met a young mother with three children whose story was very touching. She was a single mother sharing a small home with her father. She and her three children shared a single room which served as kitchen, bedroom and living room. Her story was humbling, but through the difficulties she has faced she was very proud to show us the new home that was being built for her and her children about fifty meters down the path.

This three roomed structure of clay, wood and metal would provide more living space for the family when it is completed. The SCAW team was comforted to know that the bedkit would serve the family well, not just today but well into the future when they move into their new home.

Team Sri Lanka 2015

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Sri Lanka: International Children's Day in Sri Lanka

How wonderful to have one of our distributions coincide with this special day!
School was hopping with singing competitions, games and ice cream treats.  Teachers and children alike were caught up in the Sfestivities.  It didn’t take long for the SCAW team to join the fun.

It was particularly meaningful as 444 of the bedkits were from St. Brigid School in Georgetown, ON.  Children helping children!


On our way out, all the school children were dancing to music from the radio, so we had to join in the festivities. Enjoy the photos and the video!

Team Sri Lanka 2015

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