Bangladesh
The South Asian country of Bangladesh is known for its lush green landscapes that are home to an array of wildlife. Citizens have a rich, diverse culture of music, dance, art, folklore, literature, and distinct cooking traditions. Yet Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world – more than half of the population lives below the national poverty line. The country also is hit by many typhoons each year, which makes it hard for families to pick themselves up. That’s why our global community of Child Champions is here, working in the hard places to bring help and hope to children.
CHILD RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT IN Bangladesh
CHALLENGES FOR KIDS AND HOW CHILD CHAMPIONS HELP
Natural Disasters
Most Bangladeshi livelihoods are either directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture, and with 80% of the landscape being flood plains, multiple yearly typhoons significantly affect families’ ability to pick themselves back up. Cyclones and floods have killed thousands and impeded economic growth.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Bangladesh
Through OneChild’s Children’s Crisis Fund, families receive disaster relief including emergency food relief supplies and rebuilding support. Child Champions also make sure the kids receive any necessary medical support and vital care.
Read an inspirational story from Asia: A Cellphone Can Save a Life
BE INSPIREDStaying in School Vs. Dropping Out
Nearly half of the kids who graduate from primary school drop out of secondary school due to a number of reasons such as girls being married off at a young age, kids having to walk long distances to school in rural areas, lack of protection from sexual harassment, and the cost of education fees and supplies.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Bangladesh
Many OneChild Hope Centers are schools. At these locations, children are instructed in a range of subjects and skills. In communities where schools are in place, Hope Centers, through OneChild’s Partners Fund, provide tutoring services to help kids in poverty with their studies and encourage them in their education. Every child is taught problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, literacy, and math skills. Older children typically receive vocational training such as sewing and carpentry to have a way to earn a living.
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BE INSPIREDAccess to Clean Water and Sanitation
Even though most of the population in Bangladesh has access to water, 80% of water taps and ponds are contaminated. Unsafe water and poor sanitation are linked to malnutrition in early childhood. Nearly one-third of children under 5 in Bangladesh are stunted in growth due to preventable illnesses from drinking contaminated water.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Bangladesh
Kids enrolled at Hope Centers have access to clean water and also are taught good hygiene practices to avoid preventable illnesses. Most Hope Centers have a well that pumps clean water and makes it available not only to the kids, but to the community as well.
Read an inspirational story from Asia: Quenching Thirst and Restoring Hope
BE INSPIREDFood Insecurity
Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world, which places strains on resources and affects the country’s ability to provide for its citizens. One-fourth of the population in Bangladesh don’t get enough to eat daily, and one-third of kids younger than 5 are stunted in growth due to chronic malnutrition.
How Child Champions Are Helping Children in Poverty in Bangladesh
Kids attending Hope Centers receive nutritious food and supplements, and Child Champions help them stay healthy and fight child hunger. Child Champions also promote child development opportunities that improve kids’ physical health.
Read an inspirational story from Asia: Sponsored Kids in Bangladesh Share Their Recipes
BE INSPIREDTRAVEL TO Bangladesh TO SEE ONECHILD’S WORK FIRSTHAND.
MEET A CHILD IN Bangladesh
We are accountable to the children we serve AND to our donors.
Our accountability to our donors is one of our highest priorities. Our goal is to use the funds entrusted to us as wise stewards. To do this requires continued monitoring of our fund distribution. OneChild is also a member in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
