|
|
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
| |
Ariful Islam – born 2001 in Kishoreganj as the only child in the family. His father died and his mother is unable to take care of him. BERDO recruited him to join the School of Happy World, which is a boarding school for children of visual impairments. Ariful was born blind, and BERDO is providing an environment where he can learn to read and write Braille, but also where he can receive primary education and the skills to lead an independent life. Ariful is finishing his first year of schooling, learning the Braille method, after which he will be able to continue general primary education. |
 |
|
| |
|
| |
Ariful Islam is an incredible boy, with a big heart and modest expectations. He is already confident to move around without any help, and loves to make new friends. His spirit is a happy one, often making jokes and laughing. |
| |
|
| |
| |
 |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
Imran Hossain – was born in 2000 in Kurigram with visual impairments. His father died, and his family could not afford for the medical treatment to improve his vision. He joined The School of Happy World when it just opened in 2006, and now is completing his second year. Imran is a very bright boy who loves school, sports, and music. Often one can find Imran reading English, chatting with adults about cricket and football, and dancing in front of the radio to the newest pop songs. |
 |
|
| |
|
| |
Imran Hossain qualified for a cataract surgery after which he had significant improvement in his vision. Imran is now learning to identify objects and different shapes by training his eyes with a magnifying glass, and then he will be ready for power spectacles. After the cataract operation, Imran is more confident and is often seen helping his classmates move around. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
Shafin Aldar – has been a member of BERDO’s community based rehabilitation group in Banaripara for nine years. He has a deformed foot since birth, and he reached out to BERDO to ask for a micro-loan to help him start a business. He has been successful in repaying all nine loans, and he is still a member of the group because of the positive example he portrays to other disabled members of the group. Shafin advises and encourages other members of the group in their business endeavors and also helps recruit new members for the group. |
 |
|
| |
|
| |
Shafin is running his own tailor shop, employing two persons, and has purchased four rickshaws which he is renting out for profit. He is not only making enough money to take care of his family, but he is empowering other persons with disability to become productive members of society. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
Jusna – is a member of BERDO’s community based rehabilitation group in Tongi. She is 25 years old and has been struggling to feed her children. She joined the group named Bakul Flower, received a micro-credit which allowed her to buy a cow and sell milk for profit. She has been able to repay the loan, and with the profit she bought another cow. Thanks to the micro-credit provided by BERDO she is able to provide food for her family. |
 |
| |
Unlike other women in the village, Jusna is able to contribute financially to the well-being of her family. |
|
| |
|
| |
Unlike other women in the village, Jusna is able to contribute financially to the well-being of her family. She feels empowered now that she is working, and is able to exercise decision-making in the family affairs. She is more hopeful about her children’s future and feels strongly to provide education for them. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
Madhab Chandra Pal – is a old friend of BERDO. He has been coming to BERDO for a long time using BERDO’s library for visually impaired and the special computers. Mr. Madhab also volunteers with BERDO by teaching music and songs to the children of BERDO’s school for visually impaired. |
 |
| |
Mr. Madhab Chandra Pal has an MA in history from Dhaka University and is looking for a job. BERDO is helping Mr. Madhab to find a job placement. |
| |
|
| |
Mr. Madhab, like many other educated visually impaired persons, is having difficulties in finding employment. His wife is also visually impaired and they face many difficulties providing for their family. |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
Firoza Khatun – has been working at BERDO since 2005 as an assistant. Ms. Khatun contracted a poliovirus which left her lower body underdeveloped. She has faced many difficulties while trying to get an education and find a job. BERDO’s job placement program helped Ms. Khatun find a job, and she moved from her village and now is able to take care of herself. |
 |
| |
Ms. Firoza is hardworking, independent girl who doesn’t allow her disability to stop her from becoming a productive member of society. |
|
|
| |
She takes on many responsibilities at her job, and she thinks that the situation is improving for people with disabilities. |
| |
| |
|
