Organised by International Needs USAChildren learn educational skills, practice good hygiene, and have the opportunity to bathe and wash their clothes. They also receive a nutritious meal and benefit from engaging stories, uplifting activities, and the caring support of the staff
In Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, there are approximately 240,000 street children who lack access to food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. These children must find a way to earn money in order to survive. In the city, street children can earn Taka 30-40 (55 cents) per day by working in a factory, selling flowers or candy, shining shoes, being a mechanic helper, pushing carts, or doing other odd jobs. In some instances, children turn to robbery or prostitution. These children are extremely vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Seeing a great need, IN Bangladesh began an outreach targeted at children who are working. The Drop-in Center provides a safe, Christ-centered, nurturing environment for children who are working and living on the streets. The Drop-in Center is open from 3-7pm five days a week and serves children between 7-15 years old. On average, the Drop-in Center welcomes 50 children every day.
In order to help these children, the staff at the Drop-in Center contacts local businesses and talks to the working children and the shop owners. They talk with the business owners, requesting that the children be dismissed from work early so they can go to the Drop-in Center. In some instances, the staff are able to win the permanent release from bonded labor of these children. Once released, these Drop-in Center children are then able to attend the Naogoan Village School. The School has nearly 500 children enrolled and there is residential/dormitory space to care for 50 children who have been released from their bonded labor contracts.
• Children spend two hours developing essential educational skills like reading and writing.
• They learn good hygiene practices and have the opportunity to bathe and wash their clothes.
• Children enjoy a nutritious meal and spend quality time socializing with peers.
• They participate in engaging stories, interactive activities, and receive encouragement and support from the caring staff.
At the young age of seven, Farzana spends her days working as a house helper. She works tirelessly washing dishes, cleaning floors, and washing clothes. Farzana is paid very little, but every cent matters for her survival. Days filled with work were Farzana’s reality until she heard about the Drop-in Center. Now Farzana spends time most days attending the Drop-in Center. She is learning the Bengali and English alphabets and numbers. Farzana has been given the opportunity to be a kid, playing with her friends and learning alongside her peers. Through the love and support that the Drop-in Center provides, Farzana has begun to dream about her future. She dreams of being a health worker and touching the lives of many people in her community.
Supporting children trapped in bonded labor, these centers provide basic educational skills, hygiene education, and the opportunity to bathe and wash their clothes. Children also receive a nutritious meal and benefit from a safe, caring environment with engaging activities and encouragement from the staff.
A dedicated home for orphaned, abandoned, vulnerable, and disadvantaged children in Bangladesh. This facility houses 220 girls, providing them with education, a secure place to live, and a nurturing environment where they can grow and thrive.
A free school serving poor and marginalized children who were forced to drop out of traditional education. Many of these children come from slums or live on the streets, often facing abuse and extreme poverty. The school offers them a safe space, education, and much-needed support.
Providing formal education and vocational training to 335 children, the Naogaon Center also operates a daily drop-in program for children trapped in bonded labor. Here, they receive a nutritious meal, a chance to bathe, rest, and participate in activities designed to support their well-being and future opportunities.
Mac currently oversees two orphanages: Savar, which is home and school to 200 girls, and Bethany, which is home and school to 150 boys.
Mac also operates four slum/free schools, drop-in centers for children rescued from bonded labor, and vocational training for widows. His programs serve more than 1,000 children daily. Mcdonald, along with his wife Henrietta, who is a medical doctor, serves the people of Bangladesh through International Needs.
• 952 students receive education and a secure place to live
• 887 families are supported with daily needs
• 158 children who were trapped in bonded labor are cared for
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