A bunch of children at Chhotomoni Nibash are seen running with balloons and celebrating Fatema’s second birthday. The sounds of their laughter are heard too often.
Despite the joyous occasion, the life stories of all the children are heart-wrenching.
Before Fatema was even born on July 16, 2022, she lost her parents and sister in a road accident at Trishal, Mymensingh. She was born after her mother's womb ruptured under the wheels of the truck. The newborn's right hand was injured, but Fatima is now largely healthy.
Fatema turned two this year. The children and staff of Chhotomoni Nibash are celebrating her second birthday.
She loves to eat with her own hands. She enjoys wearing red dresses. Her favourite food is chocolate and lollipops. Through sports and joyful excitement, she keeps the other children entertained at Azimpur's Chhotomoni Nibash.
On the occasion of Fatema's birthday, MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed, member of Parliament of Jessore-3 Constituency, visited the shelter home with his family.
To celebrate her birthday, every child at Chhotomoni Nibash was given new dresses by Kazi Nabil Ahmed. The corridor of Chhotomoni Nibash was decorated with colourful balloons for the children's play area.
Chhotomoni Nibash: A safe haven for the cruelly abandonedAfterwards, they cut a cake to celebrate her birthday. Later, gifts were distributed to the caregivers, assistant teachers, and nannies at Chhotomoni Nibash.
The facility's Deputy Superintendent, Jubilee Begum Ranu, said the fracture in Fatema's left hand at birth has healed. As she grows, she is becoming quieter and more reserved. Unlike other children her age at Chhotomoni Nibash, she is reluctant to interact with people she is not close to, including her grandparents and siblings.
“It is unclear why she behaves this way. It could be trauma from her past accident or something else. Each child is different,” she added.
While visiting the children's sleeping room on the third floor, Fatema is observed attentively watching as mehndi is applied to her hands for her birthday. “Happy Birthday” is beautifully written on her hands.
Tania Sultana, nurse at Chhotomoni Nibash, said: "We currently have about 20 children here, ranging from one and a half months to five years old. Many children come and go, but as Fatema's situation is different, she will grow up here for the next five years. After that, a decision will be made by the administration on whether she will go to her family or somewhere else."
Many children at Chhotomoni Nibash are either lost or were abandoned at the hospital by their families after birth. Others are here due to family complications.
Jubli Begum Ranu said that despite facing several challenges, including limited caregivers, nannies, and financial constraints, they are committed to providing the best care for the children. They continue to explore various methods to maintain adequate staffing for caregiving, but more personnel are needed to ensure proper care.
