We Work in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has been one of the poorest countries of the world since its inception in 1971. This country is overcrowded with poverty-stricken and disease-ridden people who daily deal with rampant unemployment and corruption. To understand how populated this country is, consider half the population of the entire United States living in a space equivalent to Iowa. The government of Bangladesh does not allow adoption in this country, so the only way to help support the underprivileged children is through orphanages and boarding schools.
When their families can't afford to provide for them or their parents die of malnutrition or disease, thousands of children take to the streets. In fact, one in every 15 children born in Bangladesh end up on the streets to fend for themselves.
They often live in conditions that are unthinkable. Their bleak outlook, lack of proper nutrition, adequate water, shelter, and sanitation often leave these children vulnerable to the devastating influence of drugs and the ravages of disease.
Our Three Projects
Near the capital city of Dhaka we have established our first two sites. In association with Bangladesh Youth First Concern, we take these overlooked children in and give them a home, a family, food, clothing, healthcare, education and more. They thrive, and as they grow we help them to see the need to care for others in their own country.
The model for the Forgotten Children Center is to construct homes that will house up to 30 children. Once that home is filled, they begin construction of the next home as finances permit and sponsorships increase. The plan is to keep the homes small so that they will get the individualized attention, love and care that they so desperately need. The children live at the home, but go to public school and are tutored when necessary.
Background
PICTURE OF PETER & GEOFF About 20 years ago, some similarly-motivated American benefactors made an effort to address the needs of some of the Bangladeshi children. The seeds of their generosity are beginning to bear fruit today. Some of the children are grown and are now in a position to give back to the children of their fellow countrymen.
Peter Halder, one such child, who received this hope 20 years ago in Bangladesh, is making a positive influence today. Snatched from the despair and poverty of a typical Bangladeshi childhood, Peter went on to earn a BA in Economic Development at St. David's Bible College and returned to his homeland to address the overwhelming need of its young people. Peter formed Bangladesh Youth First Concerns (BYFC) in 1996. Today, BYFC provides the infrastructure for Forgotten Children's efforts to meet the basic needs of children in circumstances similar to those in which he found himself as a child.
Because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of others, Peter Halder was given the opportunity to seek an education and train others to give back the same opportunity to others in his native country.
Click here to read the latest letter from Peter and Nancy Halder, highlighting the two homes Forgotten Children serve.
Bangladesh Country Information
