In May several of us travelled from Dhaka to Jashore to celebrate those who were completing training and were transitioning to employment. As we hadn’t had such an event previously, we took the opportunity to make sure all the graduates from the past 5 years also received certificates and recognition for all they have accomplished.
Taslima*, whose story we shared in February, was ALL SMILES! At graduation she shared,
My life was a lot of trouble before. But working with Basha I can see a lot of improvement in my life. I want to continue to improve. Honestly, I didn’t know education before, but I am very happy to learn how to read and write here. I can earn some money even by doing some work. For this I am so happy now.
One graduate shared,
My financial problems have gotten much better since I started this programme. I used to have a lot of anger I didn’t know how to control it but in this training I have learned how I can control my anger. Now I’m practicing controlling my anger. I’m glad and don’t know if other training programs have cooking subjects but I have enjoyed to learn cooking here. I am so happy to get a job at the Basha. I want to work here as long as I can.
Another shared,
“Nowadays I am learning to love myself. I am learning how to love myself and others. I never went to school but now I am receiving an education.”
Early on in the programme, one woman shared,
“I am loving all the activities here. I never thought that I would get emotional support, education, physical exercise and fun. In my family no one listens to me, but here people listen and give us time. I miss this place so much on the days we don’t come to the centre.”
At graduation she shared about how much she had learned, and how she is now able to support her needy family with her earnings.
“I am able to overcome most of the conflict in my family. I am so happy now. I hope and pray that I will work at Basha long term and I want to support my family.
Our training and rehabilitation programme is essential as it gives women time to heal, stabilize, learn, gain confidence, devlop job skills, and dare to hope for a different future. Jashore is looking for a larger premises while collecting referrals from partner organizations for the next batch of trainees. In the meantime, we have training programmes in full swing in two other cities.
I’m so struck by how these women never expected such an opportunity. Everyone should have access to a safe environment and dignified employment. Unfortunately for many women in Bangladesh, it is rare. Please help us ensure that more women are able to participate. Consider sponsoring some trainees, and please purchase Basha products so that we have plenty of job opportunities for the women.
Share the word. We can make a difference in the lives of women and children by donating and purchasing in a way that reaches those who thought they would never have such an opportunity.