Since I formed it in early March 2013, voluntary organisation ‘Amra’ has been working relentlessly to support poor and distressed people who are victimised by natural calamities, accidents and political violence with the contribution of people from different strata at home and abroad.
So far, ‘Amra’ has distributed money and aid worth over Tk10 lakh among the distressed people who were at a loss after the violent attacks of communal forces in March; devastating tornado in Brahmanbaria the same month and the Rana Plaza collapse on April 24, 2013 that killed at least 1,133 garment workers.
‘Amra’ volunteers engaged themselves in the rescue work and at hospitals to support the injured and their families. After the end of salvage operation, the ‘Amra’ volunteers worked on a list of missing workers of the factories housed in the faulty building.
Since the government support is not time-befitting and adequate, ‘Amra’ selected 15 most affected families as per a list prepared after scrutiny, and at different times, bought them milking cows, rickshaws and small shops so that they could survive with minimum earnings.
The organisation has also contribution in founding a jute and fabric bag factory Oporajeo in Savar where 30 affected workers of the Rana Plaza garments factories work. We provide them with the highest wages, free lunch and monthly bonus from the profits with a view to set an example of ideal business firm. ‘Amra’ has a plan to expand this initiative to a 200-strong one which would cost us only Tk20 lakh.
‘Amra’ also took the responsibility of 37 children of the affected families to support their academic activities. To that end, ‘Amra’ has been providing them with everything needed for studies – fees, uniform, stationary items – except for the books that are distributed free at cost by the government.
After successfully completing their year finals, the children are now enrolling in the next classes, and to let them continue their fight against illiteracy and poverty, ‘Amra’ is pledge-bound to keep supporting them in the future too.
So, ‘Amra’ is now raising funds to bear their expenses for year 2014, which is around Tk2 lakh.
‘Amra’ has also planned to increase the number of beneficiary children and families as it believes that the condition of ultra poor people could be changed through collective approach.
‘Amra’ also believes that the future programs of the organisation would be successful like the previous days with the cordial cooperation of humanists and philanthropic organisations.
For donations and information, please contact me: Probir Kumar Sarker; send money through bKash# +8801719193939; Standard Chartered Bank, account# 18115548901. Those staying abroad can also send money through Western Union or Moneygram. Email: probir.sarker@dhakatribune.com.
Amra – Volunteers for the Victims