Messages from Sponsors

Ger van der Vusse

Ger van der Vusse

Ger van der Vusse
Ger van der Vusse
Despite many declarations of the United Nations and promises made by almost all governments of the countries on our planet, millions of children are still living in a child-hostile world. Children are not only threatened by malnutrition, diseases and warfare but also by lack of appropriate education. As a scientist specialized in Physiology, I know how big the impact is of inadequate nutrition during early childhood on their mental and physical growth and, therefore, well-being at later stages of life. It is very sad to conclude that despite enormous scientific achievements during the past 50 years in the field of agriculture and nutritional and medical sciences, children are still suffering from malnutrition, leading to famine in poverty-stricken countries and diseases like obesity-induced diabetes in the more affluent regions in the world. One solution to the problem is proper education during childhood that eventually results in the adult’s ability to understand and willing to apply available scientific knowledge in their daily life, to enhance the production of food and to prevent life-threatening diseases. This kind of education should be based on reason and freedom of thought, not on political and religious indoctrination, being one of the biggest threats of the healthy mental development of children around our globe. –Ger van der Vusse Professor of Physiology Maastricht University The Netherlands

Dr. Abdul Ali Manu

Dr. Abdul Ali Manu

Dr. Abdul Ali Manu
Dr. Abdul Ali Manu
My son is sponsoring a child in Bangladesh through DCI’s Sun Child Program since 2005. Abid likes the program, especially the communication with his sponsored friend. Abid saves money in his piggy bank for his sponsored child and always waits for the letter and picture of his sponsored friend. This is like a pen pal relationship and is moving towards a lifelong friendship for him. Child sponsorship is not just about giving some money. I think it is easy to give money. What matters is the involvement and the relationship. Giving your time for underprivileged and unfortunate people is more difficult than simply giving away your money. –Dr. Abdul Ali Manu, President, DCI Canada

Message from Salma Siddique, DCI Youth Volunteer

Message from Salma Siddique, DCI Youth Volunteer

DCI Youth Volunteer Salma Siddique with Children in BangladeshDistressed Children and Infants International (DCI) is a phenomenal organization that benefits not only children, but their families, and the communities in which they live in. As a pediatrician in New York, we see a huge spectrum of illness and disease, as well as social issues that impact children as they grow and develop. In the United States, we have systems in place to aid families and give children the care and help that they need, but places that are less developed or developing, like Bangladesh, need some extra help to construct and maintain systems of care and sustainable sources of aid for children and their families. DCI successfully attempts to tackle not only medical costs of care for children, but tries to address the variety of social obstacles that may stand in the way for a brighter future. Through their various public works projects and community building projects, families have more incentive to allow their children to stay in school for longer periods of time, giving them opportunities they would not have if it were not for organizations like DCI. What truly separates DCI from other organizations is the idea and driving force behind the organization – Dr. Ehsan Hoque. His vision is truly extraordinary, stemming from humble desires to offer better medical care and eye care, and now spanning multiple areas of aid, now sustained by loyal and generous sponsors from the United States and abroad. Another aspect of DCI that I love, is the opportunity the organization gives to its sponsors to visit Bangladesh and meet their sponsored children and see first hand the different types of projects DCI is working on. This truly allows sponsors to feel that they are connected to the work they are helping to fund and creates relationships that may not have began otherwise. I was able to experience this connection when I visited the DCI office in Mohammadpur in 2010. I met the girl I had sponsored for years before, and it was so nice to be able to put a face behind the letters and drawings I would receive in the mail updating me about how she was doing. The DCI team was so hospitable and welcoming and through them, I was able to volunteer some time in the health clinic in Mohammadpur, which was a great opportunity for me as a medical student at the time. I saw pathology I would probably never see in the United States and I was able to experience firsthand the differences and similarities between global medicine and what we see on a daily basis in the US. My personal experience with DCI has spanned almost 10 years now, and I can truly say that it is an honor to be able to be a part of this organization, in any small way. DCI has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception and I only hope that it continues to grow and prosper – with all of our help and support. I wish nothing but the best for its future, and hope to be a lifelong supporter. Salma Siddique, MD Brooklyn, NY Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York

Fahmida Sharmin

Fahmida Sharmin

Fahmida-Sharmin-2-300x225Sponsoring children through DCI and visiting the project areas in Bangladesh is an experience which is unique and enough to change a person forever. I have been sponsoring 25 children for the last three years. I really like the program. It is simple and transparent, and I have direct contact with my sponsored child. It is amazing! –Fahmida Sharmin Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Mutahar Ahmed

Dr. Mutahar Ahmed

Dr.Mutahar-AhmedIt’s difficult and saddening to see true poverty and even more upsetting to see that those who suffer most are children. However, it’s also uplifting to know that organizations like Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI) exist to aid those living in poverty. I visited DCI’s Sun Child area in Habigonj, Bangladesh and met all the children in the school where DCI is not only educating the children but also touching the hearts and souls of entire families. I had a great experience with DCI and I witnessed the feeling and attachment to work for the underprivileged children that pervades everything DCI does. There is a strong sense of kinship between DCI’s staff and donors and those children and communities they are reaching. It has been my pleasure to sponsor 50 children in Habigonj for the last 5 years. I am very happy to see that all my sponsored children receive clothing, medical care and educational assistance through DCI. It’s amazing that my small effort and gift has brought hope to these 50 children living in poverty. DCI has an excellent method of allowing everyone to apply their skills for the cause of fighting for children’s rights and lasting improvement in the world. I believe that DCI is a great organization that puts its head where its heart is and accomplishes its goals. DCI is not only helping the underprivileged children and their families but also whole communities in an effective, enduring and efficient manner. I am positive that in long run, DCI will make a significant difference in the world. I recommend that everyone visits DCI’s projects in Bangladesh or India, so you can see for yourselves the change DCI is making with your support. Thank you all for your support. Thank you DCI and please continue your amazing work! Dr. Mutahar Ahmed, MD, FACS Clinical Associate Professor of Urology University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Newark, New Jersey

Anis Zaman

Anis Zaman

image002-300x225Last winter I went to Bangladesh to see my mom and to visit my sponsored child, Laboni Akter Tanjila. I have been sponsoring Laboni for the last couple of years and until now I knew her only from pictures. I was very excited to finally to be able to meet my sponsored child. My brother and I went to her village in Barisal on a big three-story passenger ship. We started from Dhaka around 9 pm and reached our destination the next day at around 11 am. DCI field officers were at the terminal to receive us. Immediately, I went to my sponsored child’s school and met with her classmates. Then I met her parents, who were very excited to see us. The father of my sponsored child climbed a coconut tree and served green coconut water to all of us. Laboni’s father, Monir Hossain is a fisherman and her mom (Farida Begum) stays home with Laboni’s younger brother. Her father’s job as a fisherman is dependent on luck, so life is not easy. After being brought into the sponsorship program DCI is now trying to help Laboni’s mother, so she can earn some money and help the family. I saw with my own eyes how the small amount I am giving is changing lives — it is truly a life-changing experience. I urge you to visit DCI’s projects to see the situation and get involved in any way you can. Thank you. -Anis U. Zaman

Dr. Mutahar Ahmed

Dr. Mutahar Ahmed

Dr.Mutahar-AhmedIt’s difficult and saddening to see true poverty and even more upsetting to see that those who suffer most are children. However, it’s also uplifting to know that organizations like Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI) exist to aid those living in poverty. I visited DCI’s Sun Child area in Habigonj, Bangladesh and met all the children in the school where DCI is not only educating the children but also touching the hearts and souls of entire families. I had a great experience with DCI and I witnessed the feeling and attachment to work for the underprivileged children that pervades everything DCI does. There is a strong sense of kinship between DCI’s staff and donors and those children and communities they are reaching. It has been my pleasure to sponsor 50 children in Habigonj for the last 5 years. I am very happy to see that all my sponsored children receive clothing, medical care and educational assistance through DCI. It’s amazing that my small effort and gift has brought hope to these 50 children living in poverty. DCI has an excellent method of allowing everyone to apply their skills for the cause of fighting for children’s rights and lasting improvement in the world. I believe that DCI is a great organization that puts its head where its heart is and accomplishes its goals. DCI is not only helping the underprivileged children and their families but also whole communities in an effective, enduring and efficient manner. I am positive that in long run, DCI will make a significant difference in the world. I recommend that everyone visits DCI’s projects in Bangladesh or India, so you can see for yourselves the change DCI is making with your support. Thank you all for your support. Thank you DCI and please continue your amazing work! Dr. Mutahar Ahmed, MD, FACS Clinical Associate Professor of Urology University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Newark, New Jersey