Updates on the Sharkar Family
October 3, 2007
The Sharkar family is far from being financially stable but they are gaining hope of living a peaceful and secure life. Through ROSA LOVES and IIRD's support the family has a brand new rickshaw for Babul which allows him to make 800 to 1,000 BDT ( 11.40 to 14.00 USD) weekly, a newly constructed house, and Mrs. Rita Rani has begun to raise silk worms once again. IIRD is working on purchasing a milk cow for the family as soon as the rainy season ends. The construction of the CDC ( Child Development Center) is projected to begin in January and will be completed by the beginning of the next school year.
Below is an update entry from Khusbu Patel on written on August 17th, who spent time with the family when the first installment of funds were distributed. Greg Pardo, whom is mentioned in the entry is a St. Mary's University student who is still in Bangladesh working through IIRD, and visits with the family periodically.
Greg and I reached the Sharkar's home mid-morning. I was still in a daze of disbelief that this would be the last time I would see the Sharkars. Over the past two months the Sharkars taught me life long lessons that have provided me with the guidance that I sought in my work and life.
While greeting everyone we passed we walked up to Mrs. Rita Rani's house and came to see Babul and Noyon helping some of the villagers finish the construction of their new house. Babul secured the final wall panels while standing on the bamboo beams near the roof. We were told by Mrs. Rita Rani and Babul that they planned on moving into their new house in a few days after it was fully constructed.
As we were encouraged to sit down by Mrs. Rita Rani, her family and fellow villagers, little Purnima walked around playfully. Shanto shortly came into the room and began to laugh, play and talk to us. We looked for Kobita but we were told that she was out in the village playing with her friends. She joined us later while we were holding a conversation about current global issues with some of the villagers. These children are not only becoming healthier but they are starting regain the spirit of life within their hearts and bodies.
Before I knew it we were being sat down for nasta (snacks) which was followed by lunch. Mrs. Rita Rani still doesn't have proper cooking utensils but with the support from her village she is able to cook at other's houses until she is able to move into her house and purchase her own pots. As I ate my lunch I realized that the Sharkars had adopted us into their family.
After completing our meal we told them that I would be leaving in a few days. Seeing the grief on their face from hearing this news was heartbreaking. Mrs. Rita Rani and I tried to reassure ourselves that we would see each other soon and slowly walked toward the main road.
Holding back tears, I waved goodbye to the Sharkars as the rickshaw pulled away from the village.
Posted by: MikeBelow is an update entry from Khusbu Patel on written on August 17th, who spent time with the family when the first installment of funds were distributed. Greg Pardo, whom is mentioned in the entry is a St. Mary's University student who is still in Bangladesh working through IIRD, and visits with the family periodically.
Greg and I reached the Sharkar's home mid-morning. I was still in a daze of disbelief that this would be the last time I would see the Sharkars. Over the past two months the Sharkars taught me life long lessons that have provided me with the guidance that I sought in my work and life.
While greeting everyone we passed we walked up to Mrs. Rita Rani's house and came to see Babul and Noyon helping some of the villagers finish the construction of their new house. Babul secured the final wall panels while standing on the bamboo beams near the roof. We were told by Mrs. Rita Rani and Babul that they planned on moving into their new house in a few days after it was fully constructed.
As we were encouraged to sit down by Mrs. Rita Rani, her family and fellow villagers, little Purnima walked around playfully. Shanto shortly came into the room and began to laugh, play and talk to us. We looked for Kobita but we were told that she was out in the village playing with her friends. She joined us later while we were holding a conversation about current global issues with some of the villagers. These children are not only becoming healthier but they are starting regain the spirit of life within their hearts and bodies.
Before I knew it we were being sat down for nasta (snacks) which was followed by lunch. Mrs. Rita Rani still doesn't have proper cooking utensils but with the support from her village she is able to cook at other's houses until she is able to move into her house and purchase her own pots. As I ate my lunch I realized that the Sharkars had adopted us into their family.
After completing our meal we told them that I would be leaving in a few days. Seeing the grief on their face from hearing this news was heartbreaking. Mrs. Rita Rani and I tried to reassure ourselves that we would see each other soon and slowly walked toward the main road.
Holding back tears, I waved goodbye to the Sharkars as the rickshaw pulled away from the village.
The Sharkar Family
