Ten women joined our training programme in Tangail on 1 February 2022. Our 7 trainees in Jashore are entering their last couple of months before they graduate and start work as official Basha employees. Our Mymensingh training programme will start within the next couple of months.
I’ll share their stories over the next weeks, but today I want to share a different story. A story of care and love that spans continents.
Marie Pettersen volunteered at Basha in 2019-20, spending time with our children and supporting other activities. She had to leave early when the Covid pandemic hit, but she shared about our work to her family.
We had some contact over the months and then came this message:
“My father turns 50 years in October and we are going to celebrate this. He is touched by the work that Friends Of Basha does and wants to donate all the presents to you. We are also going to have an auction with some of the items I bought from you. I have seen the “pledge your birthday” site at the website and planning on doing what is described there, if you think that is the best way. “
When the big day came, the celebration of Rolf’s life raised enough money to fully cover the stipend of almost 11 trainees for their full six month training programme! We asked Rolf why he chose our trainees to receive his birthday gifts! His answer was so moving and encouraging to us:
“I wanted to donate to friends of basha first of all because we knew about the organization through our daughter, and therefore felt a bit more connection. The reason why I believe that Friends Of Basha is a good organization to donate to, is because the money is prioritized into vulnerable peoples lives. They have a focus on helping women out of an unwanted life situation, and aim to give them an opportunity to provide for themselves in a worthy way. In other words, they want to do a change in the right way. I also admire the training programme, which I believe is an important way out of life in prostitution in the long run. Working is a blessing we people have been given, and I believe that every person should get the opportunity to have a safe and uplifting work environment.” -Rolf Pettersen
Our vision has always been not to seek charity for women in difficult situations, but create a connection and together create opportunities for women at risk and survivors of exploitation to have the opportunities most of us take for granted. We are so grateful that Marie and Rolf understand that and we love the connection that was built. Our employees and their children feel that connection. They feel cared for and supported by so many people around the world. They loved making a birthday video for Rolf as well!
Moni started our training programme just this week. She is so grateful for the opportunity to learn and heal and prepare for employment, especially since her children are also having opportunities in our on-site daycare. She laments, “I wonder what my life would have been like if I had had this opportunity before.”
We can change the futures of more women like Moni. Consider sharing your birthday as well! You also can receive a Basha blanket as a gift for you and for you and your friends as well.
See a birthday greeting to Rolf from the Basha office.