Child sponsorship update from Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Rajshahi, Bangladesh from Winter 2008.

Dear Friends,

Another precious year is going to be elapsed. Thank you very much for your continuous, generous help and support in the process of fulfilling our commitment for those children who have none.

At present the Village is a home of 75 boys and 82 girls. 22 Youngsters have been living in SOS Youth Village Rajshahi and 49 youngsters are residing in boarding houses. We are constantly reinforcing and improving an enjoyable educational atmosphere in all SOS facilities in order to make sure that Children can explore their talents to stand on their own feet. This year 10 children passed the Secondary School Certificate examination. Furthermore, 3 Children have come out successfully in Higher Secondary Certificate examination. Borsho-boron - 1415 (new Bengali Year Festival) was organised in a befitting manner on April 14, 2008. All the children, SOS mothers and co-workers attended the joyful programme.

Workshop on ‘Identity Crisis and Stress Management’ was organised on May 18, 2008. A senior Professor of Psychology Department of Rajshahi University was the key speaker there. Some 26 elder girls took part in the workshop.
One of our elder boys has flown for UK on June 16, 2008 to undergo a comprehensive course on English Language in Chichester College, London. He is also going to perform an MS course there on Psychology.

We observed the International SOS Children's Village Day 2008 in a befitting manner. Week long programmes (June 17-23,2008) including Tree Plantation, Former Children’s Get-together, Friendly Football Match, Quiz Competition, Sports Competition were arranged. On the concluding day a grand cultural show was arranged, our children enjoyed the program very much. Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi was present in the concluding session as the chief guest and highly appreciated the prevailing homely environment in SOS Children's Village Rajshahi.

As marriage is a part and parcel of our social bondage so marriage Ceremony is being considered as a special festival in our country. It is eventful either. By this time we have successfully organised 8 marriage ceremonies of 5 boys and 3 girls. Now they have been leading their life independently and happily with their spouse. Up to the minute a total of 183 youngsters including 87 girls and 96 boys have been put into the process of independence and employment.

In conclusion, once again we convey our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your continued support for the children in need and smooth functioning of SOS facilities. We are confident and expectant of getting your same cooperation and support in the years to come.

We extend our greetings and wish you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - and pray for your ever happiness, prosperity, peace and good health.