In the bustling heart of Dhaka, amid the ebb and flow of daily life, there exists a sanctuary of hope and compassion. Here, the charitable organization "Child & Old Age Care" stands as a steadfast guardian for the most vulnerable among us – helpless, ailing, homeless, and disabled children.
Their mission is as profound as it is simple: to extend a lifeline to these fragile souls, offering the most basic of human needs – shelter, sustenance, clothing, and medical care. In doing so, they pluck these innocent children from the unforgiving streets, providing them with a haven of warmth and care.
During a recent visit, this correspondent encountered a young girl named Mayna, whose infectious laughter seemed to flow effortlessly without apparent reason.
However, her life is markedly distinct from that of other children. Mayna, now eight years old, was plucked from a dustbin in the Noakhali district when she was just three years old. Her frailty is so profound that she struggles to sit upright.
Remarkably, Mayna's journey marked the inception of the child care program within this institution, even though the organization itself was established in 2014.
Currently, this facility in the capital city provides shelter to 38 children, the majority of whom grapple with physical and mental disabilities, along with the heart-wrenching separation from their families.
For children, their primary identity is intrinsically tied to their parents, a natural aspect of their lives until they reach adulthood.
Regrettably, these children, under the compassionate care of the organization, are growing up without the familiar embrace of their own parents and the sense of identity it brings.
Safe haven for neglected, innocent children
Millions of children worldwide lose the comforting embrace of their parents for various reasons.
In such unfortunate circumstances, the organization "Child and Old Age Care" assumes the role of guardian, endeavoring to restore not just the lost identity of these children but also their sense of humanity.
Mohammad Alamgir Hossain, the supervisor of the organization, explained: "When we encounter a lost child, we employ live broadcasts on platforms like Facebook to seek out their parents. If we discover substantial evidence, we reunite the child with their rightful guardian. Otherwise, they find shelter with us."
These resilient children are growing up within the walls of a two-story building in Paikpara, Dhaka, where they have been bestowed with names. For these children without families, they recognize one another as brothers and sisters.
On the second floor of this building, we met Meem, another child with a story to tell. She was found abandoned on the platform of Kamalapur Railway Station on September 2nd of this year. Meem is just 15 months old, and her fragile life has been restored through the loving care provided by Child and Old Age Care.
While many children in this institution grapple with physical and mental disabilities, there are five who are healthy and able. These children attend a local school and are even learning Arabic as part of their co-curricular activities.
There are also many children who do not have any disabilities. Such are Tayeba, Fariha, and Ratul.
Tayeba expressed her sentiments, saying: "I have many brothers and sisters here, and I am in class one."
Ratul, a bit anxious about his ongoing exams, commented: "My exams are happening now. My Arabic teacher comes to teach me, and we study together. I have more exams coming up; I just finished one."
Fariha was joyfully immersed in her artwork, saying: "I love to draw. We are all painting together now."
Most of the children within the institution experience mental and physical disabilities, rendering them dependent on others for their daily tasks, as noted by Alamgir Hossain.
He further added: "We have a total of 15 members, including caregivers and doctors, who tend to their needs. We are committed to ensuring that these children do not endure any suffering."
From humble beginnings to promising future
The journey of the parent organization commenced on October 20, 2014, under the guidance of Milton Samadder.
This organization pledges to uphold the rights and dignity of society's sick, helpless, familyless, elderly, and disabled children. It ensures their fundamental needs, including food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and education, are met.
What initially began as an endeavor to care for a helpless elderly man has now evolved into a thriving institution.
The journey of this children's shelter embarked in 2018. The institution's funding primarily stems from Milton Samader's personal contributions and support from voluntary benefactors.
Kishore Gala, the institution's manager, shared insights into their future plans, saying: "Milton Samadder initiated his journey by caring for the elderly. Presently, we have established a substantial shelter for children in Savar, which is expected to house approximately 500 children. Our elderly residents will remain here, while the main branch for children will be in Savar."
