There are 4.8 million orphans in Bangladesh. They either lost both parent or single parent. Usually single parents are not able to keep their child with them especially if they want to remarry, making them vulnerable as well.
Bangladesh is a country that is affected by natural disasters, overpopulation, and poverty. Bangladesh is home to over 169.4 (2021) million people. More than 64 million children make up around 40 percent of the population. With a land mass roughly that of New York State, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and borders India and Myanmar. There are 64 million children in Bangladesh, 50% grow up impoverished and in poverty. Situation is much worse for the orphans. There are government and non-government orphanages who provide basic shelter and support but they have very limited resources and do not have strong support system for education, health care, counselling and extra-curricular activities.
DCI has started Orphan Support Program since 2008 to provide additional support and create a safety-net for these children.
Education support (Books, education supplies, Tutor support, English, Online Video tutoring)
Library and Computer support (providing books, Computers and accessories)
Computer & IT training
Health-care and Vision care (Curative & Preventative)
Counseling services on hygiene, health & adolescent issues and Psychological issues
Co-curricular activities in the form of music, art, dance & sports
Field trips to Museums, Historic & cultural places, book fairs etc
Competitions for intellectual development (art, math, science, spelling bee, essay, debate etc.)
Observing & celebrating important international days (World Child Rights Day, International Literacy Day, Girl child day, World Sight Day, World Children’s Day etc.)
Organize learning Seminars & lectures on important issues that is most relevant & necessary for children to learn
Giving Awards & Recognitions for academic achievement
Impact
1000+ orphans were provided various forms of support in various government and private orphanages.
In 2010, DCI with implementing partner organization for Bangladesh RSC (Rights and Sight for children) established residential facility, the SunChild Home facilitating 48 orphan girls. From 2010 to June 2023, for 13 years DCI provided a secure home, nutritious food, quality education, skill training, healthcare, vision care, co-curricular facilities to these girls. The SunChild Home (SCH) Orphanage residential facility is completely closed since June 2023.
SunChild Home Orphanage closure & Status of girls:
In 2022, RSC, our implementing partner for Bangladesh, decided to close the SunChild home residential facility due to safety and security issues. Most of the children of SunChild Home Orphanage are now in their teens and need more close supervision and individual attention. RSC feels they do not have the infrastructure, manpower, and fund to do that.
Younger children have been transferred and fully supported at larger orphanages (SOS, FFC) with stronger infrastructure.
Some older girls were placed at fully supported residential facility for older girls (Happy Home).
Rest of the older girls are placed with their extended family members (Legal guardians) from where they will pursue their education or vocational training under supervision of their legal guardians. We are continuing to provide them regular monthly allowance and education/training support till 18 while they reconnect to their family and roots.
Please Donate to make a difference in an Orphan Child’s life”:
Please donate to the orphan support program (OSP) to provide support to orphaned children either living in government or non-government orphanages.
