GENKIプログラム対象校、血液検査準備とNGO懇親会
【2016年11月活動報告】
1.First of all
Thank you for your continued support of the GENKI program.
Last month, Eid, a festival after Ramadan, coincided with a holiday, and it was a two-week holiday.
Before and after the holidays, the student attendance rate dropped significantly and the number of cookies distributed fell below the target.
To cover this shortfall, we plan to sign another school and have them participate in the GENKI program.
2. Preparation of consent form for the 2nd blood test
We are currently preparing for the second blood test scheduled for October. This requires permission from the relevant authorities and consent from parents, which is a challenge. The parents of the target children often do not understand the significance and purpose of the blood test, so sufficient explanation is required. A briefing session (Photo 1) was held to explain and convince the children of Bangladesh that this test is necessary for improving nutrition. Some people cannot write their name on the consent form and cannot sign it, so the staff may support and sign it (Photos 2 and 3).
Photo-1: Blood test briefing session
Photo-2: Office staff supporting signatures for mothers
Photo-3: Support from teachers
3. Social gathering with NGOs
We hold regular social gatherings with NGOs that run schools in slums. This month, Mr. Hasnat, the owner of an NGO called Manobik Shahajo Shogtha (MSS), participated (Photo 4). In addition to school education, we are developing various activities in Dhaka to solve poverty problems. About 180 children are studying at MSS and have been using the GENKI program for two years. Another NGO is called Matri saya. This is a new contractor, and after a follow-up meeting at our office, we held a social gathering. Through such meetings and social gatherings, we are working to improve the GENKI program by listening to the needs and issues of the other party (Photo 5).
Photo-4: MTG with MSS executives
Photo-5: Visit to office by NGO Matri saya Visit to office
4. A child who has been eating Euglena Cooky since last year
When the NABISCO delivery vehicle arrives, we cannot wait for the driver to carry it, and we carry the cookies to the school by ourselves (Photo 6). Everyone has a cardboard box with a very happy face. It's a good time to be involved in the GENKI program.
Also, in Bangladesh, it is common to see not only children but also adult men walking with their shoulders crossed and hands held. This is one of the forms that expresses that we are on good terms (Photo 7).
Photo-6: Children who are happy to carry cookies
Photo-7: Pose with boyfriend crossed shoulders
5. Summary
The number of new schools participating in the GENKI program has increased this month as well. Some schools also help with blood tests. Security remains unstable due to repeated terrorist attacks and the accompanying suppression actions. Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' risk level remains 2 and travel to Bangladesh is basically prohibited, the number of visitors from many countries, not just Japanese, has dropped sharply. In addition, there are more school closures than expected, and the number of cookies distributed is below the target number, but we will face the second half of the game with the aim of achieving the target.
We look forward to your continued support.
Euglena Co., Ltd.
Bangladesh Office Project Manager
Mohammed Akerzaman