Australia supports disadvantaged children of Bangladesh

Acting High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Tim Bolotnikoff handing over a check to the Founder of
Shishu Polli Plus (SPP), Ms Pat Kerr

On 23 May, the Acting High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Tim Bolotnikoff, visited a children’s village established by Shishu Polli Plus (SPP). SPP, a local NGO, aims to provide a safe environment and care for destitute mothers and children in Bangladesh through its children’s village. The purpose-built village has accommodation, a school, clinic, kitchen, deep tube well, agri-farm, vocational training and other facilities. To date, a total of 503 mothers and 1920 children have been successfully re-integrated into the community through these facilities.

During his visit, Mr Bolotnikoff said that “Australia is proud to be associated with a project which aims to safeguard the basic rights of children and their mothers”. The Australian Government, through its Human Rights Grants Scheme and Direct Aid Program, has provided BDT 5.9 million to SPP in the past five years. The projects aimed at addressing needs of children who are held in safe custody; and providing infrastructure support in order to ensure good standards of health and hygiene for the beneficiaries. During his visit, Mr Bolotnikoff met with the children and mothers living in the village and unveiled a new incinerator, built with the support of Australia’s Direct Aid Program.

Mr Bolotnikoff was pleased to see the tangible results of these projects and expressed his appreciation to Shishu Polli Plus for their ongoing commitment to advancing the rights and providing opportunities to the children of Bangladesh.

Australian High Commission, Dhaka
24 May 2012
For further information please contact:
Simeen Sabha
Research and Communications Officer, AHC, Dhaka
Tel: 8813105 (ext. 413 ), E-mail: [email protected]