Future Plans

For the first year (2007-08) the priorities were:

• essential repairs to the structure of the existing buildings on the site and to the boundary wall of the compound
• replacing the electricity generator.

In the event, we raised enough both to see this work completed (plus the additional repairs for damage caused by Cyclone Sidr) and to purchase a minibus. The minibus has greatly increased the activities which it is possible to arrange for the children. It has enabled much more effective outreach work – educating people in the schools and villages about the causes of disability which can be avoided. And, of course, it serves as a general taxi and a van for collecting food and building materials.

For the second year (2008-09) the priority is a new building of solid structure (in place of an existing temporary structure). This will increase to 50 the number of children who can be accommodated and provide a new workshop and other facilities. Work on the first phase – building the shell and fitting out the ground floor – is already under way. The second phase – fitting out the upper floor - will proceed as soon thereafter as funds allow. Many materials including most of the timber are produced on site (see picture of timber being seasoned) and as much as possible of the labour is provided by the staff. Steel, however, has to be bought in and is by far the biggest expense.

Dinah Wiener has personally funded the purchase of a small area of adjoining land at the back of the site. This area is currently marshy wasteland which poses a threat to the stability of the boundary wall. The first priority is to stabilize the wall and fill in the ponds and marsh. Then it will be possible to put the land to positive use. This could include more staff accommodation which will be needed when the new building is completed. Another wish is for a more adult form of community accommodation for children at the home who have become adults but are still unable to cope with life in the wider world.

Looking further ahead it is hoped to establish a part-time clinic in Bhola for operations on clefts etc which would avoid the need for the long journey to Dhaka.