Child sponsorship update from Khulna, Bangladesh

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Khulna, Bangladesh from November, 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.

We have 76 boys and 84 girls live in their family houses, 132 are in different educational institutions. This year 4 girls and 2 boys have passed Secondary School Certificate examination obtaining grade point A. One of our elder girls has passed Higher Secondary Certificate examination securing GPA 3.60 out of scale 5.00. Moreover, 51 youths live at our SOS Youth Home Khulna. One of our boys has successfully completed Masters of Business Administration from Malaysia. Another 3 young boys and 2 girls are studying graduation course in Universities.

On 15.9.2008, one mother received 'SOS Ring' for her long, devoted service.

So far 92 boys and 77 girls have been settled in the society through employment and marriage. 42 boys and 65 girls have married and most of them have their own children. On different occasions and religious festivals, our former children come along with their spouses and meet with their respective SOS family members.

Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) is now a priority work of SOS Social Centre aiming to support socially and economically disadvantaged families in extreme crisis, specially the Children. At present we have been providing FSP support to 380 Children of 255 poor families. Besides, 935 poor mothers and Children have received medical facilities from our Basic Clinic, 62 Children of poor working mothers are given Day Care service regularly, 44 women and young girls have been given skill training on home tailoring, embroidery and handicrafts.

There are 453 students in the SOS School Khulna. This year 16 students appeared at Secondary School Certificate examination and all have succeeded in highest grade. Three children have received the SOS Scholarship for their outstanding performance in studies and co-curriculum activities. Two of our girls have got chance for admission into Bangladesh Sports Institute.

We organise Study Work Camp twice in a year at our SOS Youth Village Farm Project Bagerhat. Young boys and girls from our five SOS Children’s Villages attend the work camp. The work camp is designed with different, lot of daily activities. At present 16 youths are undertaking 4 year course in Agriculture, Farming and Fish-cultivation.

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.