Running the FFC Dhaka, Bangladesh, homes costs from $15,000 to $20,000 Canadian per month. Expenses are for food, rent, salaries for local staff, education and medical, and all other related expenses for the 143 children living in the homes.

We have two "baby homes" in Dhaka. All the children in these two homes have been completely abandoned and are considered to have no families. Most were brought in as tiny, high risk babies, and they are mostly girls. FFC has opened a school on the premises for the Baby home children . This is expensive, but necessary. FFC wants the children to learn English and computers, along with academic subjects, so their future will be brighter, and the staff benefit as much as the children. Many staff came to FFC as destitute mothers and had no place to go; most of the rest of the staff are poor or are needy and are supporting large extended families with their FFC wages. All staff are paid a fair local rate for their work.

Thanks to a funding grant from the Retired Teachers Association, FFC has been able to set up a Montessori classroom for about 20 students. Some of them are seen at right. And what has transpired since the classes began is amazing. The children from the orphanage have learned to respect the order and routines of the class, to take turns, and to trust that they would have a chance to do what other children were doing. One of their favorite activities in the early days was to sing the Continent song and to work on making maps of the continents. They seem to enjoy it so much that when it was time to go, many would protest that they wanted more work time. The first Montessori classroom in Bangladesh has also attracted interest from the community, and recently two outside students were enrolled.

Shown above is Howah, one of the eight deaf students at the college supported by FFC. Howah has 3 sisters and 2 brothers. Her father is not well enough to work and the brothers are rickshaw pullers, but her mother was determined her daughter would attend college and fought hard for her to do so. Howah is also very accomplished.

At right, some examples of their work. (Click for larger picture)

EDUCATION IN DHAKA

We have a school within the home that caters for nursery to class 4, and children in Class 5 to Class 9 attend outside school. The school provides computer training for all of our children. We have 3 children currently attending BKSP where they are training in gymnastics along with their normal education. This is mainly a Bangla medium School but they also learn English. We recently received funding for coaching five of our students attending class 9 at a local coaching center. Our kids regularly visit the American International School. They interact with the students there, and games and programs are organized for them. We have a deaf girl who is studying in the National Deaf Institution, at Bijoynagar, Dhaka. There are two teachers specifically trained in the area of special needs to teach our special care kids, and we have the special care school in the new house.

THE ART STUDENTS

Mowshamy was one of our FFC girls who came to us when she was a toddler. She is profoundly deaf, and a very smart and determined young lady. She discovered she was very artistic early on in life, and we steered her towards the jewelry-making course and art. When she graduated from grade 10 at the school for the deaf in Dhaka, we found a small art college for her to attend. Mowshamy is now married and living with her husband and family. While registering Mowshamy, we were told that other deaf art students would love to attend the college, but did not have the money for the fees. It was decided that FFC would pay their fees plus the cost of their art supplies, and try to sponsor the school with books and perhaps a translator for sign language. We also purchase some of their work for resale.

At right, Ami is shown arriving at the Dhaka school and being greeted by the students. She was given a tour of the school before getting down to work.

Ami held an introductory workshop with the teachers, and the subject was Inquiry Based Learning (Opening Up The Mind).

At right, a photo of the school staff, including two new recently hired teachers, (in white) Mina Akter and (in green) Rowshan Akter.

The school recently held an assembly at which the students were able to speak about their school and what they would like to see in the future. Some ideas that were raised included a garden, a cultural show, arrangements for playing basketball and picnics. They are happy to see that their school is changing day by day.

At right, the students are shown attending the assembly.

SCHOOL NEWS

Eliza Rahman reports that the students at the FFC school in Dhaka celebrated Valentine's Day. Some of the students received their uniforms from Mrs. Anwara, who also prepared snacks for them. The students are seen at left, wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.

The day was also marked by the arrival of Ami. Ami was one of the war babies adopted from Bangladesh through FFC in 1972 by Donna and Del Wolsey of London, Ontario. Ami is now a teacher and has been teaching overseas for several years. She is currently stationed in China at the American International School, and was able to spend a week visiting the FFC school in Dhaka.

At left, Ami is seen during her presentation to the school teachers. The teachers enjoyed the session with Ami, and found it to be very helpful. A session was scheduled for the teachers and students to be held the next day.

Eliza Rahman reported that the children at FFC Bangladesh held their school party. The students, including those from Special Care, arranged the event, which included recitals, dancing, singing, drama and a fashion show.

At left, a photo of two of the performers at the party.

SPORTS DAY

The students of FFC Dhaka have had their school sports day. There was a wide variety of interesting events for all participants, such as a Chocolate Jumping contest for the Montessori children, the Needle-Yarn Matching competition for the Special Care girls, and a foot race for the Special Care boys. At right, the Montessori children can be seen running a race.

The Ayahs were included in the event and faced off in a game of Musical Chairs, while the school teachers took part in a Pillow-Passing contest. Prizes were handed out to the lucky winners in all events. In the photo at left, the Ayahs are shown during the Musical Chairs game.

Click on photo at left for more pictures from the Sports Day at FFC Dhaka

Another example is Marieke, an experienced Montessori teacher from the Netherlands, who was working in Dhaka and also happened to read about the FFC project on our website. Marieke offered to help at the school for a few days, and teamed up with Muriel Hemmes who had just returned to Dhaka in November. They worked together at the school with the children and managed to get a lot done. Marieke is seen at right, working with children in the classroom.

VOLUNTEERS IN DHAKA

The FFC projects have often benefited from the timely help provided by volunteers to the sites. In late November, Foong Peng, who is a Special Education teacher from Singapore, came across the FFC website, and after learning about the Dhaka school offered her help to the staff and children. She had originally planned to stay for a week, but ended up spending three weeks working with the special care program. She did great work, and her efforts were greatly appreciated. At left, she is shown working with one of the special care children.