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...