The small village in which this project is being implemented is located north of the city of Jamalpur and around 200 kilometers from the capital Dhaka. In this rural region, the people are largely left to their own devices and there is an acute shortage of schools, medical care and jobs. The need for support is correspondingly great.
The population will benefit in many ways from the “Elisabeth Bernecker Community and Health Center Jamalpur“: Up to 150 children will be taught in the five school classes, while in the medical field, local and later Austrian doctors will provide basic medical care on a voluntary basis. The multi-purpose room is also open to other NGOs to hold training courses for the local population.
One building, multiple uses
When we applied for planning permission for our training center in Dhaka in 2018, the government also wanted to implement a project for the rural population. With the start of construction in February 2024, this wish is now becoming a reality. The construction is being financed by a very generous donation and a grant from the state of Salzburg.
As you can see on the plans, the building is divided into two parts – the school is located on the western side and the medical center on the eastern side.
The school consists of five classrooms, each of which can accommodate up to 30 children. This ensures that children from the local area also have the opportunity to attend the school. If there is more demand, it is also possible, as with our school projects in the capital, to hold lessons in “shifts” in order to be able to teach twice as many children. To the west of the building and behind it is the playground for the school children.
Patients enter the building via the eastern entrance. Depending on the weather, there is the option of waiting outside or inside for treatment. There are two treatment rooms, which offer enough space for the volunteer doctors from Austria to be accompanied by a translator. Behind the treatment rooms there is a dividable bedroom to accommodate the doctors.
The adjoining multi-purpose room will be used for various training courses by other NGOs. In addition to medical topics, environmental protection and the opportunity for economic development will also play a role.
The green inner courtyard and the special roof, through which the wind can flow, will help to cool the complex. The medical project and training courses are due to start in October 2024. From January 2025, school operations will also begin and the entire building will be filled with life.
We will of course keep you up to date on the progress of the project!
