Photo: Colleted Unicef

DHAKA, Jan 15, 2025 (BSS) – The street children are vulnerable due to degradation of social and moral values. They are also deprived of the light of education. Currently, many private initiatives alongside the government have been working for overall development of the street children.  'Meherpur Bhavna' is one of these initiatives.

'Meherpur Bhavna' is a voluntary social organization that works with youth and children to enhance social values ??through education, awareness, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. It started its journey with an aim at spreading the light of education among the underprivileged street children as it always tries to do something different.

Recently, Meherpur Bhavna organized 'Anander Ahar' (A meal of joy) for the helpless children of Meherpur at a famous restaurant in the district.

Many poor children cannot afford to eat in the restaurant. They often hear the story of delicious foods including pizza, burgers, and chicken on television or from a rich school friend. Even if they want to sit and eat in a restaurant, many children are upset because they are unable to afford it. Thinking about these children, 'Meherpur Bhavna' provided an opportunity to feed the underprivileged children in the restaurant.  

Class two student Rifat, who attended the 'Anander Ahar' program said, his class friend Niloy one day told him about having chicken and a burger. Since then, Rifat had a secret wish to have chicken and a burger. But he is very happy to eat pizza, burgers, chicken and many other delicious foods in the restaurant arranged by this volunteer organization.

'Meherpur Bhavna' organization has some rules. Street children are getting free education from it. But the condition is that if they (Children) want to study here, they have to do good work such as helping their parents or neighbours, doing their job, being aware of their health, respecting their elders and loving their juniors.

These street children regularly record their good deeds in diaries. Everyone has this competition to see who can do more good work. Social values ??are established among them through the regular practice of these good works.

In addition, free educational materials are provided to them. Alongside education, various competitive and cultural programs are organized at national events to ensure the holistic mental development of these underprivileged children and to help them explore their talents.

Every year, new Eid clothes are distributed to street children and mehendi festival is celebrated so that underprivileged children can join the joy of Eid. The volunteers of the 'Meherpur Bhavna' organization are committed to improving the quality of life of street children, protecting their rights, and spreading the light of proper education.

Md Ratul, the chief coordinator of the organization, said that on behalf of the 'Meherpur Bhavna', blankets will be distributed among underprivileged street children this winter. A pitha utshab (Cake festival) will also be organized with them.

"Our goal is to ensure the rights of the country's underprivileged children and improve their living standard," he said.

The organization also has been working spontaneously to support flood victims, provide new clothes to children during the two Eids, and uplift marginalized communities of the society.