Sponsor's update from Chittagong, Bangladesh

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Chittagong, 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.

SOS Children’s Village Chittagong is a home for 134 children. We have received 15 new children during 2008. SOS Youth Village Chittagong is continuing its activities with 52 boys. 3 girls and 4 boys passed the Secondary School Certificate examination. 5 girls and 2 boys passed the Higher Secondary Certificate examination with good GPA. One girl and one boy passed Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Studies in Second Class. They are the first Graduate Children of our Village. Three girls have been married during the year 2008 who are leading a happy life.

A Career Guidance lecture programme was held on 16.8. 2008. Workshop on Early Childhood Development was held on 17.4.2008. Seminar on ‘Technical Education’ was held on 21.4. 2008. 20 of our girls took part in training programme on Poultry Farm from 25.5 to 5.6.2008 with cooperation of Youth Development Services Department Chittagong.

International SOS Day 2008 was celebrated in a befitting manner. A eight days long programme (Open Art Competition, Sports Competition, Employers Gathering, Cultural competition, Social awareness programme, General Knowledge, Extempore Speech, Get to Gather of former SOS children and a Big children party) were held. Acting Mayor, Chittagong City Corporation was present as chief guest in the concluding ceremony held on 24.6.2008.

A seminar on Strategic Initiatives-2 (Prevention of Child Abandonment) was held on 17.7.2008. Our children performed a cultural show at Bangladesh Betar (Radio) Chittagong on 25.7.2008. A lecture programme on ‘Adolescence Guidance’ was held on 23.7. 2008. International Youth Day was celebrated on 12.8.2008. A day long Holiday Camp and Oath Taking Ceremony of our Cub Member was held on 29.8. 2008 in the Village premises. On 15.9.2008, one mother received 'SOS Ring' for her long service.

Five students of SOS School Chittagong achieved primary scholarship - 3 in talent pool and 2 in general grade. Now, our Family Strengthening Programme (FSP) strength is 280 children. One of our FSP students got Primary Scholarship in talent pool. 2 FSP students passed the Secondary School Certificate examination 2008. 89 mothers received training on different training courses.

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.