Interview from Dhaka, Bangladesh with Deputy National Director

Amit Kumar: Enamul Haque, the deputy national director of SOS Children's Villages in Bangladesh is here at Continental Office, Faridabad.

In this interview from March 2009, with the Deputy National Director of SOS Children Bangledesh, and Amit Kumar from SOS Children, we learn more about his background and how passionately he feels about SOS Children. Haque grew up at the SOS Children's Village Rajshahi, trained as a Medical Doctor specialised in public health from Australia and was winner of the coveted SOS Award in 2002.

Amit Kumar:It's a spring season in Delhi and I think similar there in Dhaka too. You're quite acclimatised and the flight was not so long…

Enamul Haque: Yes, I find it quite similar season except it's little bit humid in Bangladesh.

Amit Kumar: But, the situation is very hot back home otherwise. We have heard news of some political unrest in the Bangladesh few days back. Are the SOS Children projects safe?

Enamul Haque: This is most unfortunate things what we have experienced in Bangladesh. Everything is alright with the SOS (Children's) projects in Bangladesh and we didn't face any untoward incident out of this tragic situation. I must share with you that one of our boys who's an Army Major escaped unhurt from the scene of trouble. We thank to Almighty Allah for this and hope this difficult moment will soon be over.

Amit Kumar: Recently, SOS Children Bangladesh has received two important civilian awards - the Mother Teresa Gold Medal and Mahatma Gandhi peace award. A good recognition by the civil society…

Enamul Haque: Yes, definitely these two awards recognising the good works of SOS Children will only encourage us to do more for the children and the society.
And, I would be pleased to share with you that yesterday (the) Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh visited the SOS Children's Village and other projects in Dhaka and he with his team was very appreciative of our work and promised all possible help in future.

Amit Kumar: There is training for SOS mothers going on at the National Training Centre Dhaka and it’s a three months course. Are the mothers from each SOS Children's Village in Bangladesh taking part?

Enamul Haque: It’s a comprehensive training programme for the new SOS mothers. They are from SOS Children's Villages Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Chittagong and Bogra. They already have undergone the practical part and we are trying to cover the various facets of childcare now. What's most fascinating part of this programme is that we (generally) receive requests from the government also to train their caregivers.

Tell us about Family Strengthening Programme in Bangladesh...

Enamul Haque: The Family Strengthening Programmes is one of the most successful programmes we have in Bangladesh. It is not new in the Bangladesh…in fact running for the last 25 years. Now, the name has been changed to FSP (family strengthening programme). We have this programme at four locations except Dhaka where our children's villages are located. The community is very supportive and beneficiaries have acknowledged the fact that their children are getting education due to the SOS FSP (family strengthening programme) support they have.

Amit Kumar: SOS Vocational Training Programmes are running quite well and most of the trainees get their berth in the industries depending on their capabilities. In view of the global financial meltdown do you foresee any change of the situation on the ground?

Enamul Haque: Yes, there is the crisis at first hand but, still demands are high and the trained boys would not feel any difficulty. For example, OTOBI who is a leading furniture manufacturer has recently requested us to send more boys for their industry but, our boys already booked in different industries.

Amit Kumar: What is your view on the financial crisis vis-à-vis SOS Children in Bangladesh?

Enamul Haque: Yes, it's one of the difficult times but, most important part is that we are ready to face it. Inflation is also high in the country and we put some austerity measures on the ground. And, as the SOS Children President pointed out, it will be one or two difficult years, but together as ONE we are overcoming them.

Amit Kumar: It's also the year of (the) 60th anniversary of SOS Children.

Enamul Haque: It's a good opportunity to look back (on) our history and we are very much looking forward (to) it.

SOS Children has been working in Bangladesh since 1973 and has five unique children's villages at Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Chittagong and Bogra. More than 700 children and a further 6,000 children and their families are supported through community projects such as schools, vocational training centres and social centres.

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