BANGLADESH SCHOOL CHILDREN GIVE TO AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE VICTIMS
School children in Char Fasson in Bhola district presented the Australian High Commissioner Dr Justin Lee with a cheque for almost Tk 40,000 on the weekend for victims of the 2009 bushfires in Australia. The High Commissioner travelled for eleven hours to get to Char Fasson when he heard the children in this remote part of Bangladesh wanted to hand over the funds they raised.
Receiving the cheque the High Commissioner said, “I am deeply moved and grateful for this generous and kind gesture from children who themselves have so little to spare. There is a close bond between Char Fasson and Australia and we have helped each other on many occasions in the past.”
Children making the donation all attend schools built and operated with the assistance of Cooperation in Development (Co-ID) a local NGO that receives support from the Australian community. Mr Fred Hyde AM, an 89 year old Australian who helped establish Co-ID, said the children wanted to help Australian children in their time of need.
While in Char Fasson the High Commissioner also opened Co-IDs newest school that will provide free education to more than 200 children from grades 1 to 5. Since 1991, Co-ID has built and supports 41 schools and provides free education for around 10,000 students.
The High Commissioner also recognised Mr Fred Hyde’s extraordinary contribution to Char Fasson and Bangladesh. He first came to Char Fasson 29 years ago, managing an orphanage for many years, setting up Co-ID and tirelessly fundraising in Australia. Paying tribute to Mr Hyde, Dr Lee said his humanitarian work and affection for Bangladesh had contributed immensely to close relations between Australia and Bangladesh.
The childrens’ donation has been sent to the Australian Red Cross’ 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal. The Red Cross has now closed the Appeal and the people of Australia are grateful for all donations that have been received.
Australian High Commission, Dhaka
11 May 2009
For further information please contact:
Senior Political & Economic Research Officer, AHC, Dhaka.
Tel: 8813105, E-mail: [email protected]