Sharna Bremner
Outreach Blogger
17 June 2010
Today was the last official day of our Project TOTO Bangladesh adventure.
Our final day working with the ActionAid Bangladesh crew was bittersweet, sharing our amazing blogging successes with each other, having an incredible buffet lunch with the entire Sponsorship team and saying goodbye.
Members of the DA14 CJG comment on the blogs from DA2.
We have achieved so much in the last two weeks and will be providing a post-trip wrap up on our return to Australia, but for now, there a few things that I would like to share that haven’t made it into my previous posts.
When most people think of a country that is predominantly Muslim, they think of oppression, especially for women. Whilst there are certainly aspects of life here that favour males over females, I haven’t witnessed any segregation of sexes.
The Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, is a woman.
Some of the amazing women of Dhaka
Despite one extremely minor groping incident that could’ve occurred in any country in the world where there are males, the men here have been nothing but polite, helpful and respectful towards me.
Where there are issues regarding gender, the women are taking charge. They’re forming Outreach Groups such as the one I mentioned in a previous post, and are working with the men in their communities.
The current government promotes education for all children and public schooling is free for girls until grade 10, in an effort to remedy gender imbalances.
That said sexual harassment or as they call it here ‘eve teasing’, continues to be a problem for many girls and women. It was one of the problems that the Community Journalist Group members told us they hope to fix through their blogs.
This problem isn’t just restricted to developing or Muslim countries such as Bangladesh though. It’s everywhere. And the Bangladeshi people are not only aware of the problem; they’re speaking out and trying to fix it. It’s no longer a silent issue here, as it continues to be in so many other countries.
From young slum dwellers, such as Puspo and Mina, who hopes to become a doctor and provide free medical services for the poor when she grows up, it seems that girl power is rife here in Bangladesh.
Mina is 11 years old & hopes to become a doctor one day.
For the Bangladeshi people we have spoken to, from small children to more senior members of communities, education is paramount.
While kids in Australia dread going to school, kids in Bangladesh crave an education. Over and over we heard stories from children who just want to learn. They know the value of even the most basic education and being able to study is what they seem to want most.
University students in Bangladesh aren’t considered bludgers, as they often are in Australia. They’re valued, respected members of the community who are working to better not only themselves but their country as well.
One of Dhaka's slums.
Even though the people we have met on our travels have very little, live in the most trying of circumstances and face challenges that we couldn’t even imagine, I’ve haven’t heard one complaint.
The children in Bangladesh don’t want a new iPod, a Wii or a new mobile phone. The girls don’t want the latest clothes, shoes or handbags. They want to play soccer. They want to go school. They want to help others, not just themselves.
Members of the DA14 Community Journalist Group
Yes, it appears that the children of Dhaka’s slums have softened me. In a few short weeks, they’ve changed my opinion of kids.
And this is one time that I am more than happy to admit I was wrong.
Some of the crew from DA14
Tags: Actionaid Bangladesh, Australia, Community Journalist Group, Community Outreach Group, Dhaka, Education, gender, girls, project toto, slum, student, women
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Way to wrap everything up, Sharna! Brought a tear to my eyes :~(
Safe trip back home for both of you …
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“The children in Bangladesh don’t want a new iPod, a Wii or a new mobile phone. The girls don’t want the latest clothes, shoes or handbags. They want to play soccer. They want to go school. They want to help others, not just themselves.”
Thank you Sharna.
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Great job Sharna! You really summed it all up in this one. Thank you so much! Have a good trip back, but I am sure you will be leaving a little bit of yourself there!!
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*holds-back-tears* This is it. The final post from Sharna Bremner in Dhaka. And it’s a cracker: http://bit.ly/a9zbJh #totoDhaka
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
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Naw, thanks everyone! And thank you all so much for reading our blogs. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as we enjoyed writing them!
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Well this is the final word from your mother. Should you feel the need to bring back a child or two, in fact even a truck load. Feel free your mother would love to play gran to so many adorable children!!
Great job Shazz, and please pass on my sentiments to Joel. Although I cant wait to have you home, I am glad you went, and even more glad that I have seen a different part of the world not only thru your and Joels eyes but also from the people themselves.
Have a safe trip x x x
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So you are not going to buy Bayley an I pod for Christmas?? Glad you enjoyed your trip Maybe you have not only taught them but learned from them as well? (deep)
Tisha xx -
Gold: “Bangladeshi kids don’t want an iPod, Wii or mobile…They want to help others, not just themselves” http://bit.ly/a9zbJh #totoDhaka
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
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“Bangladeshi kids don’t want an iPod, Wii or mobile…They want to help others, not just themselves” via @ActionAid_aus http://bit.ly/a9zbJh
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
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Somehow, after reading each of your blogs, i find myself in tears. Reality? Pride? Perspective? Inspiration? … Whatever the mix, you have done a fantastic job, & am positive that u have made the very most out of this experience….. I cant wait to hear more.
Be safe.. xo
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Thanks for the fantastic blogs guys, you’ve both done an awesome job over there and you are both great friends of ActionAid. One of the clear challenges we have is to channel the Australian spirit of a “fair go” into getting more and more Australians to help others in countries such as Bangladesh. Really looking forward to hear more when you’re back in Australia.
Safe travels!!!
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Your blogs have been fantastic in more ways than one!! I can’t believe how much those kids have affected my stone tough disliker of kids friend Sharna. They must of been some AWSOME kids!! Hope you have a safe trip home and I cant wait to hear all about your travels, some more photos would be great too.
Much Love xXx -
sharna you are really great.I am very happy to see the naree maitree picture
hanif
community jarnalist
naree maitree
DA-2
Dhaka bangladesh -
Pingback from Project TOTO · It’s been quite a ‘Journey’… on 13/09/2010 at 10:24 am
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