Case Diary from Bangladesh

To demonstrate interventions taken up by LCD-South Asia Office and the impact of their work, we are regularly tracking the case story of “Esaruddin and his family”. This family has been identified by a SARO supported programme in Bangladesh.

LCD-SARO has partnered with Centre for Disability in Development (CDD), a disability organisation in Bangladesh, to implement a programme on Inclusive Education and Employment Rights of persons with disabilities. CDD has chosen local partners to support them in implementation of this programme; one among them is Gono Unnayan Kendra (GUK), a community development organisation working in remote, backward and disaster prone areas of Gaibandha district.

In the last three issues, we have narrated how Esaruddin and his family started living in Pulbandhi village after losing their house to floods. As part of their disability programme, GUK staff had provided services to Laboni and Ranu. While Laboni, who is visually disabled was given mobility and pre-school training, Ranu, with intellectual disability, was taught activities of self-care and basic education concepts at home.

Between January to June 2009, GUK staff have worked to include Laboni in a mainstream school. A sensitisation programme was conducted in Modhdhopara Government Primary School and Labony was enrolled in grade1. However, within few weeks, Laboni stopped attending the school, as it was located far away from her home. The family had to spend 20 taka (17p) everyday for her transport, which they could not afford. Also, Laboni's parents could not buy her a school uniform.

After discussing with the family, GUK staff realised that Esaruddin was finding it difficult to continue as a bicycle mechanic due to shortage of tools and equipments. As a result, the family was living in near poverty and could not afford Laboni's education. Looking at the difficult situation, GUK gave a loan to Esaruddin for a pump machine that would help him continue work. They also, bought a uniform for Laboni and agreed to bear her travel expenses till she received the government disability stipend.

Mini Begum and Esaruddin were extremely happy that Laboni could return to school. Laboni's school principal regularly commends her as a disciplined and meritorious student. Laboni got 'Grade A' in the recently held school exams. Laboni enjoys participating in the school's sports events and has won accolades in them too. In the meanwhile, GUK staff regularly followed up with the concerned government official on Laboni's disability stipend. As a result, she now receives 220 taka per month (£2) from the government, which helps her meet the school transportation cost.

Recently, Laboni was also registered as a member of the children's club promoted by GUK in the area. As a member, Laboni participated in a sports event on World Disability Day and won the 3rd prize.

Laboni's sister, Ranu, who is intellectually disabled, has also shown a marked improvement in her behaviour. She is now able to handle activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, combing hair, brushing etc. on her own. She also helps her mother in household chores and in her spare time, stitches 'kanthas' (a type of embroidery). GUK plans to send Ranu for vocational training once their vocational training centre starts functioning.

Mini Begum who is a member of GUK's Self Help Group (SHG) for disabled people, participates in many disability events. She says, “I learn a lot from these activities, I also get a chance to meet parents of other disabled children and learn from them.”

While the family is happy about these developments, recently an incident at home has caused concern among them. Occasionally, when Mini Begum accompanies Laboni to school, Ranu is left alone at home. In her absence, a community member visits the house and teases Ranu, which disturbs and agitates her. The family is quite concerned about Ranu's security. GUK is therefore, planning to call a community meeting and request their support in solving this issue.

Esaruddin and Mini Begum are happy to note the progress in Laboni and Ranu's lives. They look forward to a better future.