“Though I don’t know how to write, I would like to say thanks to CEDAR for helping me to grow up in Full Moon. I wish one day I can help those who have similar experiences as mine,” said Sau (alias) who is only 3 years old. Like any other ordinary girls, Sau is innocent and cheerful. She has been staying in Full Moon for nearly one year and the staff praised her for being bright and smart. Sau’s parents were both political prisoners in Myanmar, sadly they both died in prison, leaving Sau orphaned. Afterwards, she was supposed to be taken care of by her aunt who had intended to sell her, fortunately someone saved her and brought her to Full Moon. Thanks God for saving Sau’s life and keeping her in a safe place where she is given love and care.
[ ‘SHARE’ Nov-Dec 2014 ] FOCUS ~ Country Development
Written by: Fountain Chik (Programme Officer)
Salaam! This is the greeting of Bangladeshi Muslims wishing people peace. ‘Peace’ is a common wish of this harmonious people, although in reality peace and harmony are hard to find.
Bangladesh’s literacy rate is less than 50%, and it is dangerous for border-area children to travel long distances to state-run schools in the cities. Since 1999, World Concern Bangladesh (WCB) as financially supported mountain area primary schools and provided training for teachers.
Those who have met the beneficiaries of the ‘Join Hands Join Hearts’ Children Ministry Scheme will discovered that regardless of where they live, children have their own dreams, and all cherish any learning opportunities. Perhaps such is the result of being honed by the harshness of life.
Photo courtesy to Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Whampoa Church]
In the past summer holiday, young people and pastoral members from Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Whampoa Church set foot in Ethiopia through joining CEDAR Global Discipleship training scheme. The 24 days experience has proven to be unforgettable as they visited numerous families living in slums. Upon returning to Hong Kong, they shared with us the real-life stories of these families – some are still living in hopelessness, while some have regained hope through God. Here are two stories shared by the team:
While many parents in Hong Kong worry about how their children are getting on in the first month of school, many parents in Bangladesh worry about the well-being and safety of their children at work. In 2012, 17% of the children aged between 5-14 years in Bangladesh had to work as child labourers. According to US Department of Labor, children in Bangladesh are engaged in the worst forms of child labour, primarily in dangerous activities in agriculture and in domestic service. Children working in agriculture may use dangerous tools, carry heavy loads, and apply harmful pesticides. Girls mostly work as domestic servants in private households. They work long hours and are subject to discrimination and harassment, on top of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. [US Embassy, UNICEF]
