By Kh. Shams -AL- Muzaddid Tanvir | Assistant Manager
Evoking Aspirations with JAAGO!
Opportunities are discovered within one’s faith and aspiration. While the roads to pursue these opportunities may be difficult ones, in due course, they lead to the most beautiful destinations. The children at JAAGO have extraordinary aspirations and they count on JAAGO to seek out prospects which will help meet their aspirations.
The JAAGO children have come a long way in the past 11 Years and are confident enough to push boundaries and set new paradigms. When these children enrolled at JAAGO initially, they were weighed down by poverty and social footing. Their condition and lack of hope for a good future would reflect in their faces. However, as time passed, through the nurturing of JAAGO, the students soon began aspiring for something more. They are on their way to become visionary human beings and this is evident in their achievements and their presentation of themselves in every social situation. Now, with their faith intact on JAAGO, these children are empowered enough to aspire and use the opportunities provided to them and change their fate as well as their families'.
Brushing up the Creativity
In Pablo Picasso’s words “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” JAAGO wants to eradicate this problem by exploring the young fresh minds of our students and keeping them in tune with their creative side. We always encourage our students to participate for national and international competitions as we believe that they have the potential to create difference and become a national gem.
With this hope, JAAGO had registered a few of our young virtuosos to the National Art Competition. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy arranged an Art Competition nationwide in remembrance of the 41st Anniversary of Martyrdom of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The results for the competition was published last April and one of our students named Rifat Mir won a "National Art Competition Prize" from "Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy". Rifat Mir, from Grade 6, won the 3rd Prize at Ga division in Dhaka City. President of the standing committee on Ministry of Cultural Affairs (Bangladesh), Simin Hossain Rimi (MP) was there to present awards among the kids. Rifat Mir was overjoyed to receive the award from her and rub shoulders with other young talents of the nation.
Pohela Boishakh: Our Culture is our Identity
JAAGO believes that the children are the shapers of the nation’s culture and they are the ones who sustain the existing traditions. Pohela Boishakh is undeniably a vital part of Bangladesh’s culture and heritage as it marks the occasion of the Bengali New Year. This day is celebrated by each and every citizen as people from all walks of life gather together on the joyous event of welcoming a new year. The history of Bangladesh’s inclusiveness and diversity remains as a testament within Pohela Boishakh, and is a festivity which brings together the citizens in harmony and unity.
The children at all JAAGO schools celebrated Pohela Boishakh in remembrance of our roots, adorned in red and white. The celebration consisted of a cultural program where the children sang Bengali folk songs, danced to traditional music, ate the customary Pohela Boishakh food “Panta Bhaat” and enjoyed with their fellow schoolmates. This was a chance for the children to show the world and the people of the nation that we are one- united by our shared traditions and history.
Getting Connected with Modern technology through Cisco
In the age of information, the use of modern technology is penetrating all academic and job sectors, shifting trends for progress. JAAGO recognizes this shift and it is reflected in our ventures to empower our children through the skill building workshops we enroll them in. This quarter a few JAAGO students were enrolled to the Cisco Get Connected Course so that they can develop basic technology skills which is crucial for all those who take part and compete in this digital economy.
The Get Connected course was an introduction to basic Internet navigation and computer skills for the JAAGO children, where the students identify various computer components, systems, printers, and other computer devices. The course involves full comprehension of Microsoft Windows, File Sorting, Computer Networking, Internet Browsing, and how to use email and new social media. The children are engaged in identifying common problems and implementing simple solutions for software, hardware, and networks.
JAAGO wanted to provide our students with the chance to learn how to use computers and related technology competently as this will develop a range of skills encompassing levels from elementary use to advanced problem solving in the future. This will also develop the working skills that is needed to put their ideas to work efficiently. This workshop would develop their skill-set and would help them in the future.
JAAGO SSC Candidates Passed with Flying Colors
JAAGO foundation’s first batch of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinees has achieved remarkable results with a 100% passing rate under NCTB’s English Version Curriculum. The result marks a huge milestone for JAAGO as 20 candidates had participated in the examination after 10 years of complete dedication and diligence. It is with the teamwork of the JAAGO SSC candidates along with sheer dedication of their teachers that brought about a passing rate of 100%.
These students come from a challenging background and they are not acquainted with the privileges and facilities like most candidates for the exam. A majority of these 20 individuals work to help out their families, whilst facing the challenges of studying under the English Version Curriculum. The journey that Korvi Rakshand and JAAGO supporters had embarked on 11 years ago, to fight the nation’s poverty through the power of education, became a reality for them upon the achievements of these 20 students. JAAGO hopes to make a sustainable change within the development of the nation’s education sector by bringing into being such wonderful talents.
How JAAGO Changes Lives!
Testament of Rima
Grade 10
JAAGO Rayerbazar School
JAAGO is another name of my dreams. JAAGO stood beside me and gave me the courage and strength to face all the obstacles in my life. JAAGO is nothing but my second home. I am the oldest of my 4 siblings. Being the oldest daughter I had to take household responsibilities. These became a nightmare when suddenly my father left all 5 of us. Days turned into months but he did not come back.
My mother became the only person who provided everything for the family. Her monthly income was 7000 BDT. With that amount she used to pay our rent and one meal. For lunch, she used to bring food from the houses she used to work at. After a few months, I decided to help my mom and started working too. However, being a girl in this society it was difficult for me.
That is where JAAGO came in and stood by me like always. My teachers spoke to the people in that area and ensured my safety. At the same time, they encouraged me to dream big. JAAGO supported me to live like a girl with my head high in the society. That is the reason I love my second home very much. I believe that JAAGO is always with me. Then, Now, Forever.
Thank You for Supporting Us!
It is with the utmost sincerity that we convey our gratitude to the national and international child sponsors, corporate partners, donor agencies and supporters from various fields. Without their contribution and support, this journey would not have progressed and prospered in changing lives of these underprivileged children. JAAGO requests them to continue providing their irreplaceable support to this humanitarian cause, so that we can ensure each child in every corner of the country, and perhaps beyond, receives quality education to rescue themselves from the curse of poverty in future. Stand with us to withstand odds falling onto our children!
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