Stability in Times of Uncertainty
LHC is part of slum housing, so we serve not just our students but everyone in this neighborhood. We try to be a place of shelter and safety, especially in times of crisis. During the student protests which led to the fall of the government in July / August, our area was also affected by violent clashes, internet blackout, and general lawlessness, but thankfully we only closed for a week and resumed classes as soon as it was safe for the teachers to come to work.
July - Student Led Protests
What began as a group of students protesting against unfair quota systems that gave government jobs to people loyal to the ruling political party, quickly snowballed as the ruling regime violently crushed mostly unarmed protesters and shutdown internet across the whole country. Hundreds of civilian lives were lost, and the regime that had ruled Bangladesh for the past 15 years lost its legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
August - Government Change
The new government led by Nobel Laurete Professor Yunus was sworn in on August 9. The leaders of the new government have noble ambitious for the country but so far have been ineffective in governing, lacking in political experience and resources to carry out much needed political reforms. With more political forces emerging, we are praying for continuing peace in Bangladesh while the country prepares for the next election.
Our Commitment
The Lidia Hope Centre is open 6 days a week, so we can ensure kids have more time in a learning and nurturing environment, and women can come to the center for vocational training and counseling. The slum area is where you find the cheapest housing in Dhaka, many families come and go while trying to make a living in the city. We aim to be a light house for families who live here. Please pray that our work would not be disrupted by political and religious groups causing divisions in the country.
School Year in Numbers
In a country where girls education in low income families are not valued and child marriage (under 18 years old) is nearly 50% and 22% are married before the age of 15, we are proud to have so many girls enrolled in school. Through extensive family counseling, we aim to get the family's support for girls to continue their education and delay marriage.
Do More, Do Better
Our new team members and supporters are giving us new energy for new initatives!
Simon - Head Teacher
With 25 years of High School teaching experience, Simon joined our team this year with a heart of service. He has trained our teachers in new education methods and curriculums, and build better systems for course management. Our quality of education is one of the best in our area, even middle class families want to send their children to our school! We plan to enroll 200 students in 2025.
Poppy - Clothes Tailor Trainer
Having ran her own tailoring business for 15 years, Poppy is a successful business woman and master tailor. She joined our team this year to improve the tailoring training program for unskilled women and help them get orders from the neighborhood. We hope to build a tailoring team for LHC next year to add an income stream for the social work.
Angela - Fundraiser
Within months of arriving in Bangladesh, Angela is already making an impact by sharing our story with her community back home in Switzerland. With their support, we now have the funds to open an Early Age Classroom for children around 4-5 years old. This is a crucial age for kids learning, and mostly neglected by the government and uneducated parents in the slum areas. We are excited to open the first Early Age Classroom in our area in 2025!
Make a Difference in 2025!
You can contact the following people regarding donations / volunteering or email us directly: dhakalhc@gmail.com
BD - May & Mala
US - May
UK - Fiona
CH - Angela
