Amanda Ryan's Feedback

A Volunteer from Australia

I have been in Bangladesh and with the JAAGO Foundation for three months now and I’m not sure that I will ever leave.

I am continuously amazed at how remarkable my new children are. These children lead hard lives where food is never guaranteed, in 2m squared shacks with usually at least five other family members and share one small toilet with the other 100 people in their area of the slums. Yet they come to our school everyday with a smile on their face that I rarely got to see back home, they bare a true smile, a smile that makes me appreciate being alive. These children really are the most amazing creatures on this planet and I think it is us who needs to learn from them.

My experience with the JAAGO foundation has allowed me to grow so much in my short time here already and the children have opened me up to give and receive so much more love in my life than I thought was possible. I will never be the same person I was before I arrived.

We in the western world seem to forget sometimes how lucky we truly are. I know I never had to sacrifice food to study and I spent most of my time at school abusing the privilege of having education so readily available for me. When I see the way the JAAGO children study it makes me feel extremely guilty for my behaviour in my youth. One thing I do not ever want to forget is that although I cannot change my past I continue to appreciate all the privileges I have been born into and help those who were not so lucky to be born into a country like Australia.

I have had the pleasure of taking the art class amongst other duties whilst I have been here and I never get tired of walking into a room of kids screaming ‘Amanda miss’ with the most beautiful smiles in this world.

I believe art is a very important class for our students most of these children have experienced hardships that most of us in the western world never have to endure particularly at such a young age. When I look at some of these children I see the eyes of a forty year old woman on a four year old girl and it’s extremely disturbing.

I’ve found that for our students expressing themselves artistically allows them to show their feelings and hardships indirectly. It allows us to understand them and why they may have behavioural problems in class because of their environment at home or on the streets.

It is sometimes easy to forget you are working with children from the slums of Dhaka whilst we are within the school walls they behave like they have everything they desire and look very smart in their recently donated school uniforms from some extremely supportive high school students here. I big reminder of what type of children I am working with was when recently in art class I ask the students to do a dream exercise. I asked them to close there eyes and try and remember their dreams I asked questions like where were you in your dream? Where there aliens? Where you in the mountains or down the beach?

When all of the students had finished the lesson I had 40 drawings of a traditional Bangladeshi village. This was all the students knew and had seen.

During my time here I have also had the pleasure of taking some of the kids on their first car trip that felt more like an amusement ride rather than mundane a to b travel. The students were screaming “wow” every couple of minutes, and were soaking up images of places they had never seen before yet were not even 1km from where they live. For some of them however the wow didn’t last for long as motion sickness kicked in and they were forced to spend the rest of the trip with there heads out of the window.

Being with these children has me constantly stepping out of my own perspective and into a completely different world. JAAGO and the children teach me so much about myself and the world. The rawness of their lives here really makes me remember what is truly important in life and them giving me the gift of the ability to remember that everyday is worth so much more than any time and money I have and will ever put into the project.

For all the good times at the project there has also been some bad as with everything in life. I sometimes feel as though we are constantly on an uphill battle, constantly searching for funds, fighting off rising rental prices for the classrooms, and trying to convince people who really don’t care and have the ability to help can become disheartening at times. After we have done so much work to be turned down or the children not accepted by the wider community is extremely disappointing. However I guess if it was an easy thing to do I would not need to be here and if no one did anything to try and make it easier the world would be a horrible place.

I could talk for hours, days and years about what I have learnt at the JAAGO Foundation and in Bangladesh but I would like to end this on a quote from Oprah Winfrey.

“None of us in this world have made it until the least among us have made it”

Amanda Ryan

Leo club’s A,B,C,D:

Vitamin A:

The children of JAAGO got a healthy dose of Vitamin A in the beginning of the program arranged by the Leo club of Dhaka Heaven Plus. Members of the club distributed tablets among the children. Almost all the children of JAAGO are undernourished. And it is extremely appreciated when organizations such as the Leo club of Dhaka Heaven Plus come forward and give the children what they lack in their diet.

The kids also got a heads-up on environmental cleanliness which is surely going to help them in their future as the citizens of our Bangladesh.

Battle of the Brains:
Leo club also organized a quiz competition among the young children of JAAGO. It successfully brought the children out of their protective shell and enabled them to actively participate in the competition. These types of competition not only encourage the exchange of knowledge but also enable children to actively come forward and claim their worth. And of course there were chocolates at the end for everyone so that nobody went home sad!

C for Calcium:

To end it all there were calcium tablets to distribute. Leo Club did not forget how calcium is important for children. Due to the high price of all calcium sources in our diet, children of JAAGO hardly get calcium into their system. This was an opportunity to balance that dearth and Leo club’s enormous effort in stepping forward for this is deeply appreciated.

Diabetics Tests:
Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus also organized a diabetics test for all the children of JAAGO Foundation. Thanks for their continuous support for our kids.

The Story of the Apple Candy

A tray full of candy usually means a special treat for the children at JAAGO. But Asfin Haider decided to get candies specially wrapped for the people who toil day in and day out to give what they know best to the little children in the school - the volunteers. It was a pleasant surprise and a very special treat for the volunteers.

Although mistaken as candles at first, volunteers were seen gathering around the candies, much like the children themselves, and enjoy the treat!

HaPpY BiRtHdAY ShUkLa...

HaPpY BiRtHdAY ShUkLa...

JAAGO’s new Australian friends

As JAAGO supporters know the JAAGO foundation school is only able to do the amazing work it does by the individual sponsors who support our children. JAAGO Foundation School is proud to announce that it is also inspiring the international community. Our Australian volunteer Amanda recently spoke to her family and friends in Australia about our school; they were so inspired by the children and our struggle that they have become sponsors of JAAGO.

The JAAGO children and volunteers would love to send out a big thank you to The Star family- Kerrie, Wayne, Rebecca, Jordan and Mathew for their generous donation. We would also like to thank 19 year old Hayley and Matt who also donated such a generous amount of money for someone their age.

This shows that anyone can help us in our cause from any corner of the globe. These Australians have inspired us to continue doing our work. With support from individuals like this in the world it will make it so much easier for us to help our students break their own cycle of poverty.

A Special Donation

JAAGO welcomes all kinds of donations, from clothes to shoes but what Asfin Haider had in mind was truly out of the box. Asfin haider is a big supporter of JAAGO foundation and a volunteer at the school. Working at JAAGO she realized that a lot of children wear torn cloths and some miss buttons. Getting new cloths is too big a fit, so Asfin decided to help the children mend the ones they have. She showed up with threads and needles and had a blast mending dresses!

Sweater Distribution @ JAAGO

Although not a country renown for its cold winter, Bangladesh has seen some of its most cold winters in the recent years. What makes it worse is that a large proportion of the population live under the poverty line and cannot afford to keep themselves warm against the winter cold. While we are warm in our quilts, children shiver on the streets and this realization led Rakshanda, a visitor to JAAGO, to donate sweaters to the children of Jaago. Rakshanda with her father, donated sweaters to all the children of JAAGO (which is NOT an easy fit!), so that it is easier for them to fight the cold of the winter.

Little steps like this can go a long way and now children of JAAGO can sleep better.

JAAGO reaches Canada and UK

Liaison Office launched in Canada and United Kingdom.

After the overnight success in Dhaka, JAAGO Foundation first spread its wings into the international realm in 2007 by establishing a liaison office in Australia. In the last year this bridge has made transfer of information and aid possible across cultures.

Hence, with the agenda of bridging cultures together, two liaison offices, one in Canada and one in United Kingdom, have been recently added to the banner of the foundation. Asfin Haider Disha is the head of the Canadian liaison office and Subhi Shama Reehu and Chowdhury Abir Ashraf are of United Kingdom. They will act as the representatives of JAAGO Foundation in Canada and United Kingdom respectively.
These liaison offices are crucial points of a global network. JAAGO Foundation intends to broaden this network and reach other parts of the world to touch as many lives as possible.

Asfin Haider's Feedback

A Volunteer from Canada

My visit to JAAGO really did wake me up. The visit to JAAGO was on their fun day where kids were watching cartoons, dancing and playing games. That gave me a chance to see how the kids interact with the teachers and the visitors. I was amazed to find out how much each and every volunteer and teacher love the kids, and I can’t blame them because the kids are actually adorable. They'll greet you with a big smile and will ask you a lot of questions. They are very polite, friendly and confident. I think all the credit goes to the people guiding them. I salute you all for your dedication.

But JAAGO is not only about fun and play, I was happy to find out they way how the classes are being conducted and also about their exam policies. They also train the kids on how to lead a healthy and hygienic life and keep their environment clean.

I always wanted to make a difference, would be more than happy to help the kids of JAAGO Foundation anyway I can. Specially after I found, even the smallest gifts can make them so happy. I wish Korvi and his army all the success in life.

Asfin Haider

Nowrin Ahmed's Feedback

A Volunteer from Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus

When I first entered the school its setting was not what I had hoped for,but when I met the kids I was filled with wonder. They greeted me so warmly with their dazzling smiles and impressive English that I was completely astonished. Their level of involvement with others and friendly nature has left a mark upon me.

I genuinely wish I could volunteer as a teacher but the distance from my home (Uttara) does not permit me to do so.

Even though I do have a few suggestions. I believe books are the best source of inspiration for people and it develops the ability to think critically. Children love reading books and can love learn a lot from the characters. Stories motivate and engage kids more than anything else. Hence, I think you should form a book chain. You basically divide kids into groups and ask them to read a certain book which they will have to present to the class either verbally or through a drama. Also you encourage the kids to present their stories to other kids outside the school. This way you will be able to reach others beyond the walls of your school.

I hope you will find this little advice of mine useful. Moreover, I was wondering whether you have a room for a library. I would love to help you guys fill it up with books. By the way, this is not a formal offer from the club. Its just an idea of mine. I will need a reply from you after which I shall talk to my heads and try my level best to make a library for these amazing kids.


Regards,
Nowrin Ahmed

Ratib Mortuza Ali Biswas Feedback

A Volunteer from Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus

Firstly, I'll say JAAGO Foundation is located at a remote location. Hard to get there but once you are there, YOU WILL BE AMAZED! The kids are lovely. They greeted us in proper English, and unlike ALL the other Charity School I have visited. They weren't shy at all, even the slightest bit!

The kids were dressed in proper uniform and they were enjoying themselves. There was music and games, conducted by the volunteers who seemed very involved with the kids. I liked that. There was warmth in the campus. It didn't feel like an Charity School; it felt more like a home.

Julie Wallis Feedback

A Volunteer from Australia

My visit to the Jaago Foundation fun day was my second visit to the foundation to meet the students and all the volunteers. On my first visit I saw a beautiful performance of music, dance and drama by all the children with some help from staff. Everything had amazingly been prepared and rehearsed in a very short period of time including the transformation of the outdoor area into a very beautiful and colourful function space. A presentation of the children’s first uniforms followed.

I was really struck by the enthusiasm and joy the children exuded and also by the love and dedication shown by all the volunteer staff. It is a place that makes me want to return again and again to give of myself in whatever way possible, even if that can only be from time to time. I think that anyone who visits feels the same way. To be present and share in the energy of the staff and the children feels like a gift that must be returned.

The Fun Day was indeed a day filled with fun. I started by watching cartoons with some of the children and being taught the words for mouse, sister, party, key, bad…. in whispers and giggles as we watched the Cinderella story together. Then I went to another room to dance (very badly) with some of the other children. Much of the dancing involved being spun around in circles by children holding my hands, while trying to remember the dance moves the children were taught before the music started. I certainly got my exercise for the day.

But mostly the day was spent laughing together and having fun. I loved it and still think of all the children’s smiling faces. A delicious lunch followed then it was time to say good-bye to everyone, for now.

Blanket Distribution @ JAAGO

Winter, for a lot of us, means getting to wear cool winter wears and having to sleep at night wrapped in our comfy comforters. But it's not the same for the poor and helpless. For them winter is a time of cold and sleepless nights. The closest thing to comfort is probably a piece of cloth or an old worn out sack to prevent the cold. So what can we do to protect these helpless children?

We need to step up!

This winter, someone came forward and donated blankets to the children of JAAGO Foundation. This thoughtful and compassionate act was carried out by Mrs. Salma Parveen . A simple step taken out by them has helped protect the children in these cold and long nights. It is a joyous occasion for the children and their parents. The children express their gratitude and love for having cared for them when most needed.
Thank a lot for supporting us.

Santa Clause @ JAAGO

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way..." came singing the Santa Claus inside the room, flying all the way from the North Pole. All the children's eyes sparkled with joy as the "Santa Claus" sat astride the chair with the big red bag full of mouth-watering candies. Santa called all the children, one by one, made them sit on his big fat jelly like belly and gave them the magical candies and stickers from his bag. The children burst out of rapture as the Santa sat amongst all the children and gave a big group hug.

Special thank Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus for making this event a success.

51st International Leo Day & Uniform Distribution @ JAAGO

On Friday the 5th of December the JAAGO Foundation held its first cultural show celebrating the 51st Anniversary of International Leo day. The day consisted of drama, singing and dancing performances. Lion Engr M Shahjahan Khadem, District Governor of District 315 B2 and other guest of the day, of Lions Club delivered an inspiring speech on the need to rise against poverty by raising literacy.

The students of JAAGO Foundation received their uniforms from Lion Engr M Shahjahan Khadem, District Governor of District 315 B2 on behalf of Lions Club and personally handed the uniforms to the students of JAAGO Foundation School. Navy blue pants and white shirts carrying the sign of JAAGO Foundation have become the dress code for the children. We thank the Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus for the thoughtful contribution they have made.

The day was a huge success with heartwarming performances from all the students. A big thank you and congratulations to all the volunteers involved on and before the big day. Your hard work made the event such a success.

JAAGO Foundation would also like to thank the Lions club of Dhaka Heaven and the Leo club of Dhaka Heaven plus. We look forward to continue working together in Rebuilding Our Nation through education.

Fun Day @ JAAGO & Amanda's Farewell...

Since the beginning of the current academic term, JAAGO has truly expanded and developed, with currently TWO class rooms, ONE computer lab, a private field for the EIGHTY children, TEN teachers and a horde full of volunteers and well wishers. We have 1000 miles to go but the fact that we achieved a couple gives us the aspiration and inspiration to go on.

Just before the winter break, we had a class party along with the farewell of one of our volunteers. The havoc started around 12 noon, with the children rushing in all excited at the prospect of having a great time.

The little bumble beesof the reception class started off their party in their class room with Himesh Reshamiya’s Boom Shakalaka. The children’s enthusiasm and atomic energy was so contagious, that it even made the stiffest and most serious of the lot move to the best.

While the bumble bees were creating a ruckus, the KG children were glued to the television watching “Thakur Ma’er Jhuri”. Now remember, television and such cartoons are a rare treat for these children, something which we seem to have taken for granted.

The KG kids also got a chance to show off their “boogie woogie’ moves and while they were at it, the bumble bees played pillow-pass and watched “Jumbo” -there is something seriously fascination about flying elephants!

Due to a little bit of technical difficulties, the lunch was just a little bit late in serving…..ooohh but the wait was worth it!! The food prepared by our very own in-house chef, who is actually the school’s caretaker, Belal Bhai, cooked-up a scrumptious meal which the children enjoyed immensely. They boldly kept coming back for more.

Tummies full….hearts content….and mildly exhausted….now was the time to break the sad news to our children. We had a brave volunteer all the way from Australia…who left her job and came to Bangladesh solely for the purpose of helping out in JAAGO. She spent everyday for two months in JAAGO and she very sincerely put her heart and soul into it. Her genuine efforts combined with her lively and enthusiastic personality left a mark upon all of us and ESPECIALLY the children. Due to certain unavoidable circumstances she had to leave.

The children were devastated. They all barricaded Amanda in a fierce wall of hugs and tears. It seemed that the kids were quite literally afraid to let her go. Amanda’s heart is just like a marshmallow. She remained barricaded with them, crying and consoling each one.

However in a positive note we hope to get Amanda back within a few months’ time if not more. As usual, all programs n events need to be sponsored. Hence we offer our deepest and most sincere gratitude and appreciation to one of our volunteer Bushra Khan and her family for making this day possible.

We Already Miss You Amanda...

Iftar Party @ JAAGO

On 26 September 2008, 25th Ramadan, JAAGO Foundation held its first Iftar Party in its school premises, sponsored by ISD Students. The attendees included the 80 kids that JAAGO Foundation supports, its members, volunteers and a number of sponsors and donors. Although unanticipated rain foiled the main arrangements at the school roof, we at JAAGO Foundation are not short on determination. Since we all had a strong resolve to make it happen, we improvised and managed the Iftar Party in the class rooms, office room and computer lab.

Even though EID was five days away, for the kids it was more than EID Day. They had a very enjoyable time with aplenty of food and drinks, especially since they hardly get to taste such food.

The sponsors were delighted to meet the children. They were astonished to see these slum children greeting them with words such as ‘Good Evening’ and ‘Hello, How are you?’. Some sponsors were so amazed that they kept on staring at the smiling faces.

JAAGO Foundation would like to give special thanks to Irfan and Drohi for arranging the donation from ISD Students for the Iftar Party.

JAAGO Foundation would like to thank all the sponsors, donors and supporters who attended the event and made it a success. Although it is not possible to thank everyone by name, we on behalf of the kids would like to express our profound gratitude towards Mr. Ador for donating 300 packets of biscuits, Mr. Rubel for donating snacks and drinks, Mrs. Ishrukh for bringing cake, and our dance teacher Shati for bringing traditional snacks (Jilapi). In addition, Ayesha, Rintu, Mehvish, Mishu, Ador, and Rana Bhai donated a handsome amount of money for the Iftar Party.

First Study Tour of JAAGO

The Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus Members are really trying to make a difference in the lives of the kids. They have planned a series of excursion trips for the children in and around Dhaka. The first outing took place on the 25th September 2008. 15 children accompanied by 2 members of JAAGO and 15 members of Leo Club went to see the Bhashani Novo Theatre (Planetorium). The kids really enjoyed the show, something they have never seen before in their lives. We are really grateful to the Leos for their creative thinking.

The Youngest Sponsor of JAAGO Foundation… Imani!!

A six year old girl, Imani, daughter of Sharif Noor and Polly Rahman, joined the list of Sponsors and Supporters of JAAGO. In addition to sponsoring a child, she has donated all her stuff toys for the kids of JAAGO. It takes strong determination and sturdy empathy to be able to give up one’s toys at such an early age. JAAGO Foundation salutes her feeling of compassion towards human rase.

Thanks to Adiba and Orchee for Supporting JAAGO

Thanks to Adiba and Orchee for visiting JAAGO and spending some time with these amazing children. They donated Puzzles & Stationery items for the kids. Not only that but they also did some financial help for the running expense of the project. After spending some time with the kids both of them decided to sponsor one child each. Thanks to both of them for supporting JAAGO Foundation.

The effort counts…. The Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus @ JAAGO

A team from The Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus visited the project on 21st September 2008 and spent some time with the kids. They also donated 100 colouring books which they specially made for the children at JAAGO Foundation. The kids really love the books. On behalf of the kids, JAAGO Foundation would like to thank the Leos for their valuable time and momentous effort. Special thanks to Shabab, President of The Leo Club of Dhaka Heaven Plus, for encouraging the youth of Bangladesh to support such a cause. And Congratulations to Ehsan for compiling such a wonderful colouring book for our kids.

A strong initiative for JAAGO…. Thanks to ELSAB

Senior Members of English Law Students Association of Bangladesh (ELSAB) visited JAAGO Foundation on 21st September 2008 and donated a substantial amount of money for the betterment of the children. We are grateful to ELSAB for coming ahead with a helping hand. Special thanks to Ranabi, President of ELSAB, for initiating and encouraging ELSAB members to support JAAGO.

Fund Raising for JAAGO...

7 Notes Foundation (URO) in association with JAAGO Foundation organised a concert to create awareness and raise funds to support the children of JAAGO. The event took place on 19th July 2008 at the All Community Club, Gulshan, Dhaka.

A portion of the proceeds was donated for the students of JAAGO Foundation. We are grateful to 7 Note Foundation for the help and support lent to our children.

JAAGO Foundation would like to thank the audience and volunteers of the concert.

Special thanks to Elita of Raaga, and Zohad & Maher of Nemesis for giving a brief idea about JAAGO to the crowd. It served as an effective exposure for our organisation in front of 500 people. JAAGO would also like to thank all the participants and all others associated with the concert.

List of Bands:

Warfaze, Arbon, Nemesis, Arbobirus, Raaga, Icons, Arronya, Dreek,, Shunno, Carnage, Cynic-x, Silect Scream, Germantown, Baahsznought, Demise, Owned, Absent Element, J'S.

A New Atmosphere @ JAAGO…

Marcelo, a pilot of Emirates Airlines and a representative of the Brazilian Community in Dubai along with Kate, Jenna, Georgie, Jewel and Nayon of The Dhaka Project came to visit JAAGO Foundation on the 15th of July, 2008.

They donated chairs and computers for the children of JAAGO Foundation and also helped us in painting the room. The students are now attending classes in a better atmosphere. They are very happy to have chairs to sit on and a colourful class room. All the members and students would like to thank the entourage and specially the founder of The Dhaka Project, Maria Conceicao, for making it possible.

Difference

Marcelo, a veteran pilot of Emirates Airlines and a representative of the Brazilian community in Dubai came to visit The Dhaka Project on the 15th of July, 2008. He received a warm welcome from the children and exchanged greetings and affectionate smiles. He then went for a guided tour of the entire project with the volunteer manager, Mr. Jewel. The tour took a full two hours. With a very happy feeling about the work being undertaken for the underprivileged of Gawair, Marcelo set off to visit a similar project in the south of Dhaka, JAAGO Foundation. He was accompanied by Korvi, Project Director for both The Dhaka Project and JAAGO Foundation and also other volunteers from both organizations including Kate, Jenna, Georgie, Nayan, Jewel and Riyad.

Prior to Marcelo’s visit to Dhaka, The Dhaka Project kindly offered to contribute BDT 257,582 (USD $3,685) of the money raised by the Brazilian community in Dubai to this fledging project.

On the way to JAAGO, the team stopped at Panthapath, where Marcelo, on behalf of The Dhaka Project, paid for chairs, tables and other furniture for the children of JAAGO Foundation. Marcelo and the team then went to IDB Bhaban to buy computers for JAAGO’s beneficiaries. Meanwhile, volunteers bought stationery, exhaust fans and paint from the donation money. The entire team then got together at JAAGO Foundation, Rayerbazar, along with the furniture, computers and equipment.

The visitors were enthusiastically welcomed by the members of JAAGO. After having looked around the JAAGO premises and signing their names in the Guest Chart, the visitors and JAAGO volunteers all joined hands in painting the classroom and the computer room. The hands-on painting session went on for about an hour, after which Marcelo and the visitors bade farewell.

Words ca n not explain the gratitude JAAGO and it’s team feels for the support provided to them by The Dha ka Project. The donation will enable the children of JAAGO to attend classes sitting in chairs, instead of on the flo or. The computers will also facilitate greater learning for the children as well as their parents as they will be given training on how to operate computers and use various software. The paint that has been put on the walls will not only bring color to the lives of these underprivileged children, but the color itself (sky blue) will encourage the children to dream, dream about a better life, dream about a brighter future, dream about the sky and beyond, for the sky is not the limit.

JAAGO Foundation would like to especially send a huge thank you to Maria, Founder of The Dhaka Project for this kind gesture and for her su pport of this new and exciting project.

BSA Windsor visits JAAGO Foundation

Recently JAAGO Foundation was visited by members of BSA (Bangladesh Students Association) from the University of Windsor, Canada. Earlier in March a presentation based on JAAGO was sent to BSA on the Independence Day ceremony in the University of Windsor. The presentation was successful and it grabbed the attention of many Bangladeshi’s living in Canada. The effort made by JAAGO Foundation was well appreciated by BSA and everyone else who was present in the event. As a response BSA has made a handsome donation for the children of JAAGO and took the responsibility of personally making their way to JAAGO's school and handing us the donation. The children of JAAGO greeted the visitors wholeheartedly with great joy.

JAAGO Foundation is thankful to BSA Windsor and to all the Bangladeshis living in Canada for the support and contribution they have made for our children.