Supporting Children with Disabilities, Bangladesh

We are pleased to report that another cohort of Community Health Workers (CHWs) was trained at CRP in April 2026. The group of 15 trainees comprised 7 special educators and 8 “smart parents” (parents trained by CRP to provide peer support) from CRP’s school, further strengthening the integration of inclusive education and community-based rehabilitation. We look forward to receiving updates as these CHWs work with families in their communities.  

In advance of this, Master Trainer Shabnam Rangwala convened an online session with all CRP trainers at the beginning of April. This session provided updates on the revised training package and incorporated valuable feedback gathered from the recent training delivered at Symbiosis in November 2025. These refinements helped to ensure the programme remained responsive, effective, and grounded in practical experience.  

We had been planning for one of our project coordinators, Jenny, to visit Bangladesh in April, including travel to Mymensingh to visit Symbiosis, meet with trainees, and connect with beneficiaries in surrounding rural communities. Unfortunately, due to the current situation in the Middle East, this visit has had to be postponed. We are monitoring the situation closely and will reschedule the trip when it is feasible to do so. 

Once the visit takes place, it will play a key role in capturing case studies from trainers, trainees, and beneficiaries. These stories will help us document and communicate the real-world impact of the training programme, offering valuable insights into its outcomes and areas for continued growth. 

We remain grateful for your support, which makes this work possible. We look forward to sharing further updates in the coming months. 

The MAITS Team 

Thank you for your continued commitment to improving the lives of families living with disability in Bangladesh. We are delighted to share a brief update on the progress you have helped make possible over recent months.

In October 2025, 24 BRAC staff members successfully completed a six-day Community Health Worker (CHW) training. This programme was delivered by CRP trainers who achieved Level 3 accreditation earlier this year, under the guidance of Master Trainer Fahmida Banu. The training was extremely well received, with participants actively engaging in group learning and practical activities. Once organisational processes are complete and baseline forms are submitted, these staff members will be fully equipped to begin gathering vital data and delivering more informed, compassionate support to the families they serve.

Just a month later, in November 2025, a further six-day CHW training took place at Symbiosis in Mymensingh, around 75 miles north of Dhaka. Ten Symbiosis staff members — including both community-based workers and clinic staff — took part. To ensure accessibility and meaningful participation, the training was delivered entirely in Bangla. We are pleased to report that these trainees have already begun conducting baseline interviews with beneficiary families, marking an important step towards tailored, family-centred care.

Delivering this training required real dedication. Master Trainer Fahmida travelled from CRP’s main centre in Savar, a full day’s journey, while regional CRP trainers commuted daily from nearby Mymensingh. Their commitment reflects the shared belief that high-quality training at community level can create lasting change for families who are often otherwise beyond the reach of specialist services.

We have also received valuable feedback from Suzie, an Australian physiotherapist and our main contact at Symbiosis. Her insights will directly inform the MAITS International Clinical Committee as they review and strengthen the training package, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of both practitioners and families.

Looking ahead, we are hopeful that our Project Coordinator, Jenny, will be able to visit Symbiosis in April 2026 to meet the trainees in person and carry out home visits with beneficiary families. These visits are invaluable in understanding real-world impact and shaping future improvements.

None of this progress would be possible without supporters like you. Every training delivered multiplies impact — equipping local staff with skills that reach dozens of families, and improving care long after the training itself has ended. As we look to expand and refine this work, additional funding will allow us to train more community health workers, reach more families, and ensure that children and adults with disabilities receive the support they deserve.

Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity is helping to build stronger communities, one trained health worker — and one family — at a time.

With sincere thanks,

The MAITS Team