By Saima Hassan | Director Development and Communications
Hello folks,
A very Happy New Year to all of you! Hope the New Year has been full of much zest, energy and all things good for you. Since we last shared updates with you about the Rohingya program you support, a ton more has already happened. Here you go!
Children Contribute to Camp Clean Up!
Late last month, the students of OBAT's Learning Centers participated in a camp cleaning campaign in Rohingya camp 8W, blocks E and F. The children were taught about waste management, disposal and hygiene by the CIC (Camp in Charge), SMS (Site Management), and a WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) focal point. They enthusiastically contributed to the effort, cleaning the entirety of the two blocks! Well done, students!
Six Doctors from Indianapolis Volunteer in OBAT's Clinic
For the first time, a team of Doctors from the Franciscan Health Group, journeyed all the way from Indianapolis, OBAT's home ground, to volunteer at the OBAT Clinic for Rohingya refugees.
The team included: Dr. Kevin McNulty, Dr. Hira Naqvi, Dr. Kami Smith, Dr. Jeffrey Jones, Dr. Gregory Specht and Dr. Adam Paarlberg. The Doctors spent their time treating patients at the Rohingya Medical Clinic. The clinic treats an average of 300 patients per day. We are extremely grateful to the team for lending their time and expertise to provide life-saving treatment to the Rohingya refugees.
A team of 7 Dermatologists from RCF (Refugee Crisis Foundation) volunteered at the OBAT clinic during December. RCF is an ongoing partner of OBAT and the UK based organization regularly sends two dentists to staff OBAT's clinic. The team collectively attended to over 350 patients during their visit. The group included world-renowned dermatologist, Christopher Griffiths, Foundation Professor of Dermatology at the University of Manchester. The team also conducted a training of the clinic staff and collected data. They had a great experience working at the clinic and are keen to work with OBAT in the future.
Another volunteer doctor, Sebastião Martins, from Portugal, finished his 2 month long volunteering stint at the clinic as well.
Thank you to all these selfless individuals!
Dr. Wasty Follows Up With Rohingya Eyesight Restoration Program
OBAT Canada's founder, Dr. Shujaat Wasty, visited Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp recently.
He met with several beneficiaries from the Rohingya Eyesight Restoration Program, some of whom are finally able to see, after as long as 12 excruciatingly long years.
During the meetings, beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gift of sight and vision. Many beneficiaries also shared their harrowing stories of escape from genocide in Myanmar, most of whom had to do so without being able to see. Dr. Wasty also serves as Vice-President on OBAT Helpers Inc.'s board and is a frequent visitor to the camps.
Purdue University's MSA Dedicates Refugee Gala to OBAT
The Muslim Student Association of Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, recently held a Refugee Gala in support of refugees all over the world. The student association generously donated the proceeds of the Gala to OBAT's work for Rohingya refugees. The event was attended by students upwards of 100-some parents accompanied their children as well. As a part of the engaging program, the audience were able to watch a short video about the Rohingya crisis and OBAT's work to address it. Thank you to the Purdue MSA and to all those who attended!
Rebuilt Playground Restores Children's Smiles
Thank you to Dr. Henna Qureshi (OBAT's board member & lead consultant on medical committee for OBAT's clinics), for raising funds to rebuild a playground built by OBAT for Rohingya children. This playground was destroyed during the monsoon season, leaving no area for the kids to enjoy their childhood. This playground is the only recreation space available for children in the entire area.
Rohingya Women Empowerment Center Produces Quality Clothing
While we seek funding opportunities to continue and expand the sewing project for Rohingya women, the project continues to operate on a small-scale, with 12 women currently enrolled in it. The great news is that many volunteers and visitors purchase clothing made in the center because they are so impressed with the workmanship of the refugee women! The skills women gain at these centers help them to become empowered and gives them a sustainable source of income.
Volunteers Visit and Revisit!
OBAT is fortunate to have the support of many volunteers. Several of them are deeply impacted by their experiences and return to help more. Philippa Nilsson is one such volunteer. Philippa is a much-loved return volunteer. She worked with OBAT in the very beginning, when the Rohingya crisis was unfolding and has returned to volunteer with OBAT in the Rohingya camp four times since then! In her last visit in December, she also purchased some of the clothing in the Women's Empowerment Center that was made by Rohingya women in our Sewing Project.
Researcher and Professor of Psychology, Dr. Tara Callaghan from Canada's St. Francis Xavier University, visited all of OBAT's Rohingya Relief projects in December. She was thoroughly impressed with the services and aid OBAT is providing in the camp. Dr. Callaghan would like to pursue a partnership with OBAT Helpers for her research project in 2020. The project will be focusing on developing the social and emotional well-being of Rohingya children.
Aysha Al-Sharbity Khandaker, former Director on OBAT's board, coordinated a team of volunteers (Hind, Manal and Mishar) at the Rohingya projects. The group taught students at our learning centers and also helped out with construction work carried out to repair some Learning Centers.
Hope you enjoyed reading our new year updates! We sure do appreciate your help in bringing much needed relief to Rohingya refugees. Do share this project with your friends and families and invite more support for this crisis. Thank you again!
Until next time!
Your friends at OBAT!
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By Saima Hassan | Director Development and Communications
By Saima Hassan | Director Development and Communications
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