Levi's @ JAAGO Foundation

The fans were working hard as the children sat quietly in their classrooms eagerly anticipating their guest’s arrival last Friday. The anticipation was well worth it as the excess perspiration did not slow down the amazing Levi’s team when they came to visit the JAAGO Foundation school.

The day began with the JAAGO students introducing themselves and their dreams.When Selim stood up and shared his dream of becoming a singer the supportive Levi’s team asked for a demonstration. Without hesitation Selim began to sing his sheer enthusiasm soon had the Levis team and the JAAGO children singing to the latest Bangla hit together. Once all the children finished introducing themselves we put the Levi’s team to work. In groups with the creative input of the Levis team the JAAGO Foundation children made inspiring works of art using clay and paints.


After all the hard work the Levi’s team and the JAAGO Foundation children had definitely worked up quiet and appetite so lunch for served and eaten together. Soon after lunch the Levis team took up the hard task of judging the art competition. Whilst these hard decisions were being made the rest of the Levis and JAAGO teams made their way to our field where we had some more special guests waiting.

Laura and Mitul (from bands Bangladesh and Radio Active) were waiting ready to surprise the JAAGO Foundation children and guests with some music. The Levis team joined in with our volunteers in finding the courage to get up and sing some karaoke whilst the JAAGO children danced in delight and enjoyed the simple pleasure of music.

The day was completed with the prize giving ceremony where the students were all spoil by the Levi’s team with lunch boxes and pencil packs. JAAGO’s day with Levis began hot and ended hot but the smiles and memories created on that day will remain in the JAAGO Foundation schools children’s hearts forever.

JAAGO Foundation - Rebuild Our Nation

Please support and vote for JAAGO Foundation. Deadline 15th June. We can win USD 5,000 for these underprivileged children of Bangladesh.

JAAGO - Rebuild Our Nation

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Novartis Community Partnership Day 09 @ JAAGO Foundation

Novartis Bangladesh Limited celebrated their ‘Community Partnership Day 2009’ with the children of JAAGO Foundation on the 23rd of April. This day is celebrated worldwide at all the branches of Novartis. Novartis Bangladesh Limited, as a part of this celebration, spent the whole day with the little jewels of JAAGO Foundation. The Managing Director of Novartis Mr. Ashfaqur Rahman along with the entire team was present at the event.

The program started at 9:00 am and the day past with different sorts of activities among which the special attractions were the art competition, handicraft competition, pot-breaking competition etc. At the event Bangladesh Limited donated a color television, a DVD player, DVDs, encyclopedias, books for the library and a lot more to JAAGO Foundation. The day ended with a musical event with performances by Jewel Rana and Tuba of ‘Meridian Channel i Khudey Gaanraaj 2009’, and also Laura of the band Bangladesh.

A Change for Change

Thanks to Bangladesh Youth Ottawa (BYO)

Imagine a performance in the far away land of Canada with 400 plus audience. Now imagine all the proceeds of the event going to a small school in a small corner of Asia. A bit outlandish?

Bangladesh Youth Ottawa has made it possible. With their untiring effort and unfaltering dedication they have managed to pull off an event of mammoth proportions! All the proceeds of the 400 plus tickets sold were donated to JAAGO. The program not only helped financially but also was a big promotion of JAAGO Foundation in front of the Bangladeshi and International community in Canada. Special thank to Mr. Tarun Rahman, the President of BYO who made it possible.

Asfin Haider spoke at the event on behalf of the team back at home. She is the Head of Operation of the Liaison Office of JAAGO Foundation at Canada and she related to the audience the appreciation that we have for the organizers of such events.

In future we hope to see more and more people stepping forward to support our cause and help us to Rebuild Our Nation.

Sybil Get Well Soon

Hello Sybil, the children from our Foundation have prepared this for you. We and all the children from JAAGO wish will you get well soon.

Soap Distribution @ JAAGO

A big loud shout and a group hug to the newly weds, Murad and Lazina . Hope their big hearts combined can contribute even more to the society in need.

We, at JAAGO, time and again emphasize on the importance of self hygiene in kids. We are planning of a hygiene program that includes distribution of tooth paste soaps to the kids every month. But due to shortage of fund we have been unsuccessful in this endeavor so far. This is were Murad and Lazina came in with their brilliant donation of soaps for all the kids of the school. Thanks to the newly weds for understanding what is needed and stepping up to provide it!

Celebrating Independence with Colours of Dreams

“Mora ekta ful ke bachabo bole juddho korechi.” – 26th March. The independence day of our country. The date the calling for the birth of a land was made, the land under our feet that we take for granted. The entire country wakes up in red and green on this day to celebrate the birth of our nation and pay homage to the brave souls that made it possible.


The atmosphere wasn’t any different at JAAGO this 26th. To mark this day the walls of JAAGO have been painted with vibrant colours with figures and images of little children that are only bigger versions of what the kids at JAAGO had drawn beforehand. The pictures depict what the children think of their schools. There are pictures of children coming to school in parachutes and everything else a child’s mind can imagine. Special thanks to Screaming Girls and Friends for this amazing gift to the school. People like Piplu Bhai, Himel Bhai , Mithun Apu and Bipul Bhai made this possible. Without them this amazing facelift of JAAGO playground would have been impossible.










The day on the 26th started with a painting spree for the children where they painted canvases and clay pots. The playground was filled with excited children as they pranced around with colours to put their thought on paper. It was amazing how the little children brought out their hope and aspirations so effortlessly on paper.

The children were then visited by Aku Chowdhury who distributed flags to the children to celebrate 26th march. He also donated books for the JAAGO library. Lunch was served among all the children of the foundation including the volunteers and visitors.

Another person who paid a personal visit was Farhan Chowdhury of Adcom Advertising Agency. and his wife. His personal visit was an inspiration to the volunteers. It acted as an encouragement to the people at JAAGO who toil day in and day out to keep the place running.

The day ended on a much different note. There was a blood test and a general health check up arranged for the children. Each and every child’s blood was tested for blood group and serious diseases. Each child was given a health form with their health details recorded on it for future references. Details like weight, height and bmi were among many other things that were checked and recorded. Thanks to the Arrangers for supporting the whole medical event.








This 26th was perfect in too many ways. Everything went smoothly, well as much as can be expected with screaming excited children running around, but what will be remembered is how the day helped the children and volunteers come closer together and unite to celebrate the birth of the nation they call home.

Celebrating Our Language

‘Ma’- a simple yet profound word that resonates from the deepest corners of our being. A word that is dear to all of us but we are only able to use it because certain events took place many, many years ago. Many of us today take our mother language for granted and forget the unfortunate events that make our words our own. 21st February is International Mother Language day today because of us, because our forefathers gave lives to mark this day as the day every one celebrates their own respective language.

We at JAAGO Foundation believe in language and culture being an intricate part of our lives and we try to implement a sense of belonging within the children. Hence we organized a cultural event and an art competition among many things on the 21st February.

A handmade Shahid Minar was built for the 21st to celebrate our language and to pay homage to the lives that we have paid for this freedom of speaking our own language. Thanks to Arrangers, an event management company for making it for us.

A daylong event was also organized that started off with an Art Competition. The children poured out their hearts with vivid colours. They were judged by Mr. Sabihul Alam, editor of ‘Toitumbur’ magazine and Mrs. Samina Nafies, Program officer of Shishu Academy. Art is believed to be an expression of thoughts and it truly became so at this competition as the children concentrated on creating their own masterpieces. Token prizes were later given to the winners and everyone who participated.

The day continued with a cultural event showcasing the talented children and (not so!) talented volunteers. There were dances, recitations, solo performances and so forth. There was also a skit performed by the children and volunteers.

The prizes were sponsored by Lyra and colour was sponsored by Lyra and co-sponsored by Leo Club of Dhaka Heavens Plus and our heartfelt appreciation goes out to them. We would also like to thank the media partners, Channel-I and Radio Today for stepping forward to help.

This day brought the events of 1952 ever so closer to our hearts and also made a bubble of pride within each and every child of JAAGO Foundation.

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.

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.

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.