Together with Salzburg photographer Joachim Bergauer and filmmaker Iris Schweinöster, who both volunteered to take pictures for us, we set off for two weeks.
A lot has changed since our last visit in April 2022. For example, the roof terrace at Gandaria School has been extended, painted and fitted with a high fence. The children now have a safe place where they can play and spend time during the break. In front of the school downstairs there are just a lot of small alleys that are not suitable for spending time. I was able to inspect the brand new fire extinguishers in both schools and the pupils now have the opportunity to get sanitary towels at school. The aim is to keep absenteeism to a minimum. Of course, this is just a small selection of the new features.
In addition to visits to the schools, the program naturally also included plenty of meetings with the project manager Babul Aminul Hoq as well as the teachers, the school children and sometimes also the parents (with translators). The school continues to be very busy, which is why the tried and tested system of “shift teaching” is being continued. As there is not enough space to teach all the children at the same time, the younger pupils start their lessons first. They are then provided with a free nutritious meal at lunchtime. By this time, the rooms are already occupied by the older schoolchildren. When the dining hall (where not everyone can eat at the same time) is free again, the older children also get their meal. For them, lessons then continue until late afternoon.
Another important development since our last project visit: the Training Center has now opened (after years of delay due to the coronavirus)! Former pupils of ours and other young people from the surrounding area have the opportunity to gain vocational training in a skilled trade. Courses for seamstresses with state-of-the-art sewing machines, courses for seamstresses on conventional machines, computer courses, training as a beautician, courses in electronics and cell phone repair, etc. are offered. This training, which is completed with a publicly recognized certificate, gives graduates better career opportunities later on. A medical project has also been launched at the Training Center. Together with local staff, we provide basic medical care. Patients pay 30 taka (the equivalent of around 25 cents) for treatment and the necessary medication. In this way, we want to ensure that everyone has access to these services.
During a short visit to St. Francis Assisi School in Kolkata, I was also able to confirm some innovations. For example, the school now runs up to Grade 8, from which it is much easier to transfer to a secondary school than from Grade 7. As in Bangladesh, the staff there are very committed and the children are happy to have the opportunity to attend school.
The conclusion of the trip is therefore very positive. There is still a need for our work and we have the right partners on the ground to implement everything accordingly. I am already looking forward to the next project trip and will be happy to report on it again!
Severin Schwaiger
Managing Director Austrian Doctors
