Support marginalised children in Bangladesh

Dear friend of a sustainable future!

I hope this message finds you well. We are a group of Swedes that most of us have been working as volunteers with the Swedish NGO, The Swallows, in Bangladesh between 1970-2010.

During our time there we helped to build up Thanapara Swallows Development Society (TSDS), that today are an independent and self-sufficient organization located in a serene, rural village on the banks of the Ganges River in northwest Bangladesh.

TSDS was established in 1971, in the aftermath of Bangladesh's war of independence. It was born out of the need to uplift the community, especially women, who had suffered immeasurable loss due to the tragic massacre of all adult males in the village.

TSDS has a profound mission — to empower the impoverished and marginalized population. They aim to achieve this by eradicating illiteracy, promoting health awareness, facilitating self-employment, advocating for land rights among the landless, and fostering economic and social independence among women.

Since 1974, one of their cornerstone programs has been a primary school that caters to 30-40 children. These students belong to the most underprivileged families in the village and lack the means to attend government schools.

What makes this school truly special is its holistic approach to education. Students receive both academic instruction and vocational training. They learn valuable skills such as weaving, sewing, embroidery, and gardening. The curriculum extends beyond the classroom, encompassing sports, drama, singing, and even hands-on experience in farming techniques through weekly fieldwork.

Now, we are reaching out for support as we prepare for the school's needs during 2024. Our long-term vision is to ensure sustainable funding to continue this vital work for years to come.

We invite you to be a part of this journey to transform the lives of these deserving children. Your support, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in providing them with a brighter future.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how you can contribute, please feel free to reach out to us.

Thank you for considering our cause and for your potential support.

Warm regards from Thanapara Swallows friends in Sweden:

Birgitta Göranson Iliste

Elisabeth Thylander

Eva Asplund

Hans Ridemark

Johan Sidenmark

Magnus Lindell

Karin Ridemark

Per Olov Thylander

Semene Haile

...and many more

PS. This crowdfunding is organised with help by the Swedish non-profit organisation One More Salary.