Dhaka, 11 June 2010

Since 2004, Ekmattra has been running a rehabilitation centre for Dhaka’s street children in the city’s Northwestern district of Mirpur. On weekdays, the children attend the local school together with other children from the area. In addition to a householder who provides around-the-clock care for the children, there is a cook and two other employees and contact persons for the children. The shared meals, excursions and the solving of minor conflicts convey visitors an intimate and friendly atmosphere.

Shumon & Cathleen

It was weekend, so we arrived at Ekmattras rehabilitation center surrounded by 24 children. After each child introduced him/herself in English, stating his/her name, age, hobbies and dream job, the group was divided into two. Each participant in group A was supposed to choose a place that has a special meaning for him/her, take pictures of it and say a few sentences about it. Meanwhile, with great enthusiasm, the participants in Group B were drawing pictures for the donors from Germany. In a second round, the groups swapped.

Rainer, Maqsuda & Cathleen on a walk with the Ekmattra kids

The kids’ highlight of the day was obviously the opening of the large gifts suitcase. Each child could choose a stuffed animal. The joy in their eyes was unmistakable. The Haribo gold bears were also very popular. After sharing lunch, we signed the center’s guest book.

In the evening, we had to say goodbye to the children. We assured them that we would come back and, as happy as the encounter had been, it was with heavy hearts that we left the children at the centre.