NEWSLETTER MAY 2020

May 29, 2020

Dear Friends,

We bring to you greetings and gratitude from the people of Bangladesh!

We would like to give you an update on the situation at our schools in Bangladesh.

As we mentioned in our previous Newsletter, the schools have been closed since late March, 2020. We have continued to pay the salaries for the teachers and cooks. We were informed that some of the students’ families went to their home villages in the countryside. Nevertheless, most of them had to remain in Dhaka.

The government issued a “stay-at-home” order which prevented the families from obtaining their daily income. Also, the government had promised to provide financial assistance to the families, but as to last week they have not received them.

We discussed this situation with the Banglahelp Board and decided to provide financial assistance to the families of our students. We gave US$12.50 to 661 families. This amount allowed to buy 22 lb. of rice, 4 lb. of potatoes, 4 lb. of dhal (lentils), 4 lb. of onions, ½ gallon of oil and 0.5 lb. of salt.

We also decided to provide US$5 to 700 student’s families who live in the countryside and were in great need of financial help. Although these amounts are minimal to our USA standards, we know that it will bring some relief for these families.

In order to prevent the misuse of the funds, tokens where given to the families which could be exchanged for food at designated shops with whom we have negotiated lower prices.

We are delighted to see how Martin (our manager) and the teachers worked with the local communities’ leaders and shop owners in order to organize the distribution of the tokens/food in a safe and organized manner.

Martin (green T-shirt) talking with local leaders

Student and his mother receiving the tokens

Student and his mother receiving the tokens

Food distribution in the market place

Student taking the food home

At one of our schools, the distribution had to be made at evening time

All of us have been have been affected in one way or another by the Covid-19 pandemic. We can only imagine the struggles families must go through in countries of Bangladesh, where poverty is so prevalent even in “normal” times.

The Banglahelp Board and our students’ and their families are VERY GRATEFUL for your continual support even during this time of crisis.

May God continue to bless and protect your families during this uncertain time.

With much gratitude,

Gerardo Toledo

President