Parvin with her Micro School Children in Bangladesh
The Rotary Club of Alliston supports Parvin from Bangladesh to attend school and to teach her own children as well as other children in her neighbourhood.
The club is able to support education through the Amarok Society. For more information about the Amarok Society, please visit their Website
All are welcome to hear more about the Amarok Society at our club meeting on Monday, November 21st at 7pm at the Gibson Centre when our guest speaker will be Gem Munro, Co-Founder of the Amarok Society.
Please take a moment to read a letter from Parvin.
Parvin at her School learning with other Teaching Mothers
October 2022
Parvin, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dear members of the Rotary Club of Alliston,
I always feel happy to share with you about my family, school, micro-school and the present situation in my country. We are fine and hope you are well too. I feel happy by helping my neighbors when they come to me for any support. But I was not like this before; I used to go to people to get support like reading something for me, taking advice and such but nobody came to me as I was illiterate. When we were admitted to Amarok Mother School that time our teacher had to inspire us to talk, ask questions, and share opinions in the classroom but I felt ashamed to talk. But now I can talk logically and freely share my opinions in the classroom, I am confident and strong now. Our Mother School has made the changes by educating, training and awareness.
My son Rahat studies in a science group. He is studying hard aiming for a good result in academic exams. I always take care of him, including other members of my family. Few days ago, I noticed that Rahat was not attentive in studies, coming back home late and noticed some other changes in him. I asked him but he didn’t say anything to me. The next day I went to his school five minutes before break hour. He didn’t see me but I was observing him from a distance. Suddenly I saw him going outside with some boys. I did not follow them but asked again when he returned home but the same result, he didn’t open up to me. Then I shared the issue with my friends Rohima, Tania, and Minara. They shared this matter with our school teacher Hasnur Apa. Our teacher advised us to arrange a few ’adolescent group meetings’ in our slum to build a good relationship with them, listen to them and share with the adolescent groups about their strengths, possible risks, dos & don’ts. We also invited some sensible parents to talk positively. We continued such small group discussion for the next 2 months and noticed that changes were coming to their behavior. I can see my son Rahat coming back home in time, playing with friends, and being attentive in studies.
I have 20 hens and 15 ducks. I have kept them in two cages, during the night I put the cages inside of my room and take them out in the morning for the day time for feeding. You will be happy to know that 10 hens and 6 ducks are giving eggs. I am getting an average 15 eggs per day and sell them at a good price mostly from my home. I spend some of it on the education of my son and save some to buy a baby-goat for rearing. So, my husband is very happy for me. My younger son also takes care of them. I told you about my small vegetable garden but in the rainy season and because of water logging there are no vegetables. Because it is a low land area and my garden went under the water for a few days. The rainy season is almost over and I am preparing to sow new seeds in a couple of weeks to get winter vegetables. I hope this year more vegetables will grow as I have experienced in the past.
Parvin in her Garden
My Micro school is going well. All five children are enjoying their studies. They are very interested in learning English because I use interactive materials & methods for my teaching. They are learning by singing, playing and drawing.
Thanks for supporting me and developing my life.
Your lovingly,
Parvin