In 2018, during Ramadan, a small group of friends came together for a quiet evening after prayer. They found themselves deeply troubled by the ways in which discrimination can strip people of their basic rights and dignity, making it hard for them to achieve anything in life. As they talked, their concern turned into a conversation about how they could help. That discussion sparked an idea, which soon became an initiative called "Eid Anondo 2018." The goal was simple but heartfelt: to give street children in Dhaka a chance to experience the joy of Eid by providing them with food and new clothes. Beyond that, they also wanted to inspire these children to dream of a better future, so they handed out some basic learning materials. This event marked the beginning of the "We Can" project, as they realized they could do something meaningful to uplift the underserved and empower them to become active citizens.
Glimpse of crowd funding campaign 2018
On the first day of the Bengali month of Poush, marking the arrival of winter, "We Can" launched a Winter Warmness Campaign to help those in need. On December 14th, Martyrs' Day, our team distributed winter clothing, blankets, and Vaseline to the homeless living around the Ramna and Shishu Park areas in Dhaka. These individuals, who often find shelter on the streets or park benches, face harsh winter conditions. While we can't fully grasp their struggles, we believe it's not difficult to extend a helping hand. Our efforts brought smiles to their faces, as they received much-needed warmth and comfort.
On December 16, 2018, "We Can" joined the entire nation in celebrating Victory Day, marking 47 years of Bangladesh's independence and remarkable progress. To commemorate this special day, we cut a cake, making it a memorable occasion. While preparing the cake packages, we met a young boy named Jisan at City Club Field in Mirpur. Jisan didn't know his exact birth date, so we decided to celebrate his birthday alongside the nation's victory. His shy face lit up with a smile during the celebration. After the cake cutting, we prepared 20 packages, each containing a banana, an apple, a puri, and a slice of cake. We distributed these packages to poor elderly rickshaw pullers, bringing joy to their day. We hope to continue these small efforts, spreading happiness and celebrating the resilience and progress of Bangladesh.
On February 21st, International Mother Language Day, we at "We Can" paid our deepest respects to the martyrs of the Language Movement and expressed our sorrow for the recent tragic fire incident in Chawkbazar on February 20th. In remembrance, we organized a meal for underprivileged individuals and discussed the importance of freedom of speech. The food was home-cooked and served to honor the souls of the martyrs of both February 20th and 21st.Â
On this joyous occasion, "We Can" made a humble effort to provide lunch for a group of underprivileged and neglected individuals. Our small initiative aimed to spread the festive cheer and warmth to those often overlooked in our society.
(Note: The photos were taken in Mirpur-2, Dhaka-1216.)
Continuing our journey of impactful events and progress, we organized another significant gathering during Ramadan. In this Ramadan, we have distributed month long ifter food to the working class and minority. After this, we decided to celebrate iftar with all our dedicated volunteer members and 50 children from a local orphanage. The evening began with a joyful Tilawat ceremony, where the children and volunteers came together in a heartfelt chanting session. It was a beautiful way to connect and set the tone for the evening. After the ceremony, we all shared a delicious iftar meal, sitting together and enjoying the sense of community and togetherness. The event concluded with warm post-iftar greetings, leaving everyone with smiles and a deep sense of connection. It was a memorable night that strengthened our bonds and reminded us of the importance of coming together to support and uplift one another.
As the excitement of Eid begins, many have already completed their shopping or are preparing to travel to their villages. But does everyone share in the joy of Eid equally? This question weighs heavily, and if ignored, it leads to a lack of celebration for the underprivileged. To bring smiles during Eid, "We Can" has taken this initiative for the second time. Just like last year, this year we aimed to bring joy to 40 impoverished street children and silent children of hardworking families who can't loudly demand an Eid celebration. On the 27th of Ramadan, we provided new Eid clothes and Punjabis to these 40 children and several women. This gesture was to ensure that their faces lit up with the happiness of Eid and that they could excitedly proclaim "Eid Mubarak" with the same joy as everyone else. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this initiative and send our best wishes for Eid in advance.
After successfully bringing joy to underprivileged children during Eid, we expanded our efforts to include school students. We recruited ambassadors to enhance our education enforcement team, allowing us to dedicate more time and resources to WASH education. This expansion aimed to deepen our impact by not only providing material support but also empowering children with essential knowledge and skills for a healthier future.
Just after our last iftar event, a devastating fire swept through the Chalantika slum in Dhaka, leaving thousands homeless. With around 1,200 tin shacks destroyed and many families left without shelter, our team quickly mobilized to help. We launched a community resilience program to support those affected, focusing on providing food and medication supplies. Our goal was to assist at least 200 people during this critical time. The situation was dire, with many residents being low-wage earners and struggling to recover from the disaster. We worked tirelessly to deliver essential aid, helping the community begin the long process of rebuilding their lives. This effort underscored our commitment to standing by our community in times of crisis.
Just as we celebrated Victory Day in 2018, "We Can" continued the tradition in 2019. This time, we combined the celebration with our winter event. It was a meaningful day where we honored our nation's history and provided warmth and support to those in need during the winter season.
After our vibrant Victory Day and winter event in 2019, the world faced an unprecedented challenge with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis brought immense hardships, especially for the most vulnerable communities. As the pandemic spread, it became clear that we needed to adapt our focus to meet the urgent needs of the people. "We Can" swiftly transitioned our efforts towards resilience programs, channeling all our resources into supporting those struggling to survive in these uncertain times. With a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, our team worked tirelessly to organize month-long supplies of food and medication for families who were hit hardest by the pandemic. The lockdowns and economic disruptions left many without basic necessities, and we knew we couldn't stand by idly. Our efforts were more than just logistical; they were a testament to our commitment to stand with our community in its darkest hours. We managed to support 130 families, ensuring they had enough to eat and access to essential medicines. The gratitude and relief we witnessed were overwhelming, reinforcing our belief in the importance of solidarity and support. Through every package delivered and every family helped, we felt a profound connection to our mission and a renewed dedication to making a difference in people's lives, no matter the challenges we face.
Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, celebrating Eid Anondo 2020 was difficult, but our team rose to the occasion. Taking all necessary precautions, we focused on providing small yet impactful food supplies, ensuring that the spirit of Eid touched the lives of those in need, despite the circumstances.
Following Eid 2020, "We Can" encountered substantial funding and resource issues due to the impacts of COVID-19. Nevertheless, we pursued additional funding opportunities and successfully collaborated with EMK Center, Bangladesh Center for Human Rights and Development, Aparajeyo Bangladesh, and Education USA. These partnerships enabled us to continue our mission and support our community during a challenging period.
With all our efforts culminating in one final gesture, "We Can" organized a last iftar event for city dwellers in 2021. This heartfelt gathering marked the end of our journey, as we announced the project's permanent closure. It was a poignant moment, filled with gratitude and reflection on the impact we made over the years.