Bangladesh to Tewotunagu Kai (Hand in Hand with Bangladesh) works with a local NGO, "Shondhani Shongstha," in Kalamdi Village, Bangladesh, to support the village's education and health care. Built on three pillars of education, health care and livelihood improvement, it values acting not as a funder but as an equal partner of the local side.
On site, activities include a scholarship system for children too poor to attend school, a "calf scholarship project" that helps families cover school costs, and the construction and operation of the "Shondhani School" (primary, middle and high school). In health care, besides running a "Maternal and Child Health Center" offering prenatal checkups, childbirth and general care, it supports mobile checkups in neighboring villages, satellite clinics in distant villages and an ambulance. Income-generating support such as a beef-cattle lending project and treadle sewing machine training for women is also part of the work.
In Japan, it widens the circle of support through its newsletter "Milon," study tours and report meetings, charity concerts and bazaars, study sessions, Bangladeshi cooking classes and guest speakers. Its membership is introduced as 150 people.
Key points
- Cooperating with a local NGO as an equal partner, on education, health care and livelihood improvement
- Medical support reaching the village and beyond: a maternal and child health center, mobile checkups and satellite clinics
- Many ways to take part from Japan, including a newsletter, charity events and study visits
Why this organization deserves attention
Its philosophy rests not on "helping because they are pitiable" but on learning together as people living in the same Asia. Staying in touch with the village committee, it has given shape to what villagers need, such as schools and a maternal and child health center.
It also offers approachable entry points to Bangladesh, such as bazaars, concerts and cooking classes, going beyond activities for members only. It is a useful example of long-running citizen-led international cooperation in Fukuoka.
Editor's comment
Children studying at school, families visiting the health center. It is encouraging to think that the "joined hands" of people far away in Japan reach each of their daily lives.
There seem to be easy ways to join in, such as cooking classes and charity bazaars. Why not look at the official website and find something you can do?