Chalantika 2024: A Year of Hope Amid Challenges
In 2024, Chalantika had a calendar full of educational activities for children and their parents. The children thrived in many areas, but faced obstacles this year as well. The learning process was complicated by low temperatures, oppressive heat, a cyclone, floods, anti-government protests and a change of government. Despite all the 'turbulence' in nature and politics, all the children are well. And we continue our mission.
And what have the children experienced in 2024? What new experiences did they have? How have we supported them through the Chalantika Education Centre? Let's take a closer look at 2024.
The year 2024 in numbers
Although extreme weather conditions and violent anti-government protests affected classes several times during the year, the centre's activities and the children's achievements were not significantly disrupted. 80 children studied at the Chalantika Education Centre and 96 others received support from the Centre. We also had 6 students who successfully passed their SSC exams.
In 2024, 14,844 nutritious lunches were prepared. The children had 3 medical check-ups and 3 weight and height measurements in 2024. 72 children from the centre have the correct BMI, 4 even higher, confirming the good quality of the school meals. A nurse is available for the children to ensure basic medical care.
Education through the eyes of children
What do children in Chalantika dream about? And what do they learn and make sense of?
Forida (12) dreams of becoming a teacher: "I would like to become a teacher and help children who cannot go to school. And I would also like to help our family so that we don't have to live in a slum."
Md. Shahadat (10) is clear about her future, "When I grow up, I want to be an RAB officer. I will help my family and punish naughty people like my father does."
Nurnahar (11) aims high: "I want to be a pilot and help my family so that everyone in the family is healthy and we don't have to live in a slum. I want my parents to be happy."
Lamia (10) dreams of becoming a doctor: "I aspire to be a doctor, improve my family's financial situation and escape the slums."
Etimoni (12) appreciates the work of the teachers at the centre: "If I don't understand something, the teacher explains it to me again and again, and I learn it well. The ADRA teachers teach us with enthusiasm."
Lipi (12) already knows how to fight fever: "Drink a lot of water, take vitamin C and wipe my whole body with a wet cloth."
Mehedi Hasan (16) came to an interesting realization, "After this workshop I started thinking more about my future. No marriage at a young age!"
Sumaiya (17) said about early marriage, "We learned a lot of information about the disadvantages of early marriage."
Saiful (18) knows how to behave in crisis situations, "I already know what to do and what not to do in case of an earthquake or heat wave."
We educate not only the children, but also their mothers, who have attended 185 sessions focused on health care and learning to read and write. Parents also attended two workshops on problem behaviors.
One of the mothers, Shahida (40 years old) told us, "I am very happy that the teachers come regularly. I can share my concerns and get valuable advice". Another mother, Nurnahar (50), has learned to write her name and to count. Lima (26) now knows how to brush her teeth properly. And Hena (40) enriched her views on gender equality: "There is no difference between men and women, we have equal rights. Everyone should respect others".
Our staff visits, literacy and health classes, and practical workshops are changing parents' lives.
Miss Justýna Zedníková and influencer MENT
Justýna Zedníková, Miss Czech Republic 2023, visited Bangladesh, a slum and the Chalantika Education Centre. She is a committed supporter of children in Bangladesh.
She says about meeting the local people: "In Europe we cannot imagine how people live here. In such a tiny house, which sometimes doesn't even have a roof and they have to sleep on the floor. And also how terribly nice they are. It adds this dimension of real humanity".
Influencer MENT filmed an inside look at the lives of the children and people of Chalantika. You can watch the documentary on his YouTube channel.
Joy called "Study Tour"
The highlight of the year for the children of Chalantika is the annual trip called "Study Tour". In 2024, thanks to the sponsorship of MALFINI, the children went to Fantasy Kingdom & Heritage Park in Dhaka. The educational part of the trip was provided by replicas of historic UNESCO sites such as the National Monument, the National Assembly Building and the Kantajir Temple.
The fun part of the trip included attractions where the children enjoyed various swings, merry-go-rounds, toy cars and a train. Their pure childlike joy in every little thing was contagious. The day spent together was full of unforgettable experiences and joy.
The children of Chalantika slum live in the harsh conditions of the slum and their future is not easy. Education is a key tool to improve their lives and with your support our children can have a better future. Thank you for your invaluable help. Please continue to support the children through regular or one-time donations.
Give education. Give future.
Thank you!
