Rescuing the traumatised children in Patuakhali
NGOs hold sports and cultural programmes for children in Sird-hit areas
Children at a cultural programme organised by Shishu Bandhab Kendra at Sird-hit Mirjaganj in Patuakhali.Photo: STAR
Children traumatised by Sird in some affected areas in Patuakhali are getting refreshed with sports and cultural activities alongside studies, thanks to the innovative steps by some local NGOs. The NGOs are arranging songs, dances, games, painting competition and street drama to remove horrifying memories of Sird from their mind. The programmes drew a good response from mothers who voluntarily take their children to attend the NGO programmes. This correspondent saw over 50 children at Charkhali village in Mirzagonj upazila taking part in a painting competition recently. Besides, over 100 children were enjoying a street drama there organised by Shishu Bandhab Kendra (centre for children friends). “I brought my son to refresh his mind”, Rehena Begum, mother of two-year-old Mamun told this correspondent. “My son is taking part in drawing, games and drama for two days and he is overcoming the trauma”, Rehena said. Like Rehena, many more mothers bring their children to the Shishu Bandhab Kendra, set up by Society Development Agency (SDA), a local NGO. Two volunteers run it and organise the programmes which continue 3-4 hours a day. SDA has set up four centers-- two in Ckarkhali village in Mirzagonj upazila, one at Bangobandhu Colony at Tiakhali, one at Lalua village and the other at Charipara village in Kalapara upazila. All the areas are Sidr-affected. KM Enayet Hossain, Executive Director of SDA said, “Mothers voluntarily bring their children to the centers to refresh them from the trauma caused by Sidr”.
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