Bangladesh trip February 2008

Below is a brief summary of our activities during the 2009 trip:

·        Deep bore well. There had been a problem with iron contamination, causing the well to be stopped. However, Raju arranged for a filter to be installed and it has been re-opened. The filter will be replaced every 12 months.
·        Sewing project. Three new treadle machines have been purchased and three more village girls will be selected for training. More materials have been purchased for the continuation of the Project.
·        Communication. Terry had his new “Netbook” PC with him, and it was decided to see if email could be set up in the village. If so, it would be of great benefit to us. The trials with a Grameen phone modem were successful and all present agreed that it should be a permanent feature of Clinic operation. We therefore left the Notebook behind. Carole also left her digital camera with the staff. We have since received emails and photos from the village. The present signal is intermittent, but a new phone mast has just been erected near the village and will be operational soon. Shapna will be the key user, with Dr Aziz. Shaheeda also wishes to learn how to use it.
·        School uniforms. Ten uniforms were made for our visit and Raju has purchased the materials for the remainder. This programme is just going to run for the year, as it may be too expensive to continue with the present style and design. We had a long discussion about this it is suggested that it could, in future, be re-designed. This could perhaps, enable the village sewing project to take over the school uniforms.
·        Soap making. Leigh demonstrated this in the village, but there were problems with suspect oil. Information has been left with Shapna, who will attempt to find some links on the internet. Leigh also has seen some Bangladesh soap making somewhere, and will investigate further.
·        Hindu Families. This micro-funding project (basket etc. making) has gone well and is self-funding. No further input required.
·        Amputee. Dr Aziz had arranged to take him to the BRAC limb centre in Dhaka, but he had an illness and the visit had to be deferred until next month. There is another amputee who has requested assistance and is on a tentative waiting list while we await the outcome of the first patient.
·        Cancer patient. This lady was away from the village and staying with her family, so we could not see her. Dr Aziz will advise us of any special needs. ·        Solar cooking. Andrew and Kokhun lead this. We made two visits to the Garden City Rotary Club. A large SC demonstration was given….rice, dhal, chicken and fish were served to a number of impressed visitors. The Club said that they planned to follow the original model. The Project would be based in a nearby village, where they already have another project, and Borouhda would also be involved. However, this still depends upon the Matching Grant.
·        Music Project. Terry’s niece has offered to come out and teach some basic recorder music. Shaheeda is very pleased about this and we hope to be able to proceed, with some donated instruments.
·        Clinic roof. This has been leaking. Raju purchased the materials and did the work himself.
·        Generator. A Honda auto-start generator has been purchased, as well as a refrigerator for the Clinic.
·        Wheelchair. A standard wheelchair might not be appropriate for village use. Terry has emailed the Valerie Taylor Clinic in Dhaka, but without reply. Dr Aziz has also requested a stretcher and a play area, but we are doubtful about the real benefit of these items and have deferred the item.
·        Medication. We have agreed to a £100 per month top-up as requested by Dr Aziz. This will be reviewed at the end of the financial year.
·        Table and four chairs have been purchased for the Clinic.