Ranu Ferdous

I came to know about Utsho about ten years ago. On behalf of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), I was looking for a voluntary organization in Bangladesh that genuinely worked for poor and deprived children. Well-known women’s leader Maleka Begum told me about Utsho Bidyaniketan and a few other organizations. After learning about Utsho’s wide-range of activities, I felt encouraged. This led to my first visit to Utsho’s field office at Rayer Bazaar. There for the first time I met with Mahbuba Mahmud Leena, Utsho’s Director. I also met with several other individuals who are involved with Utsho’s multi-faceted activities. I still recall the cultural program that the students of the school had arranged that day. I was touched by the poems, songs and dances they presented. In fact, I was so deeply touched by the performance of these under-privileged and sometimes hapless children that I my eyes filled with tears. I instantly resolved to support, whatever way I could, this organization and its students.

For those unfamiliar with UNWG, let me say a few words. We have been living in New York for the past 22 years, mainly in connection with my husband’s work with the United Nations. I became involved with UNWG in 2001. As a non-profit and voluntary organization, UNWG is dedicated to supporting under-privileged children everywhere in the world. All its members are volunteers, who are either former UN staff or their spouses. UNWG was established in 1948 following the First World War. Much of the world was in ruins. Children under 18 and women were among the neediest. From its very beginning. UNWG aimed at supporting these children and women. In the past several decades, UNCWG’s work has significantly expanded. In New York, it has four chapters, and its membership now exceeds 300. It also has chapters in other UN duty stations. UNWG provides small seed money to over 150 voluntary organizations that work for under-privileged children and women worldwide. Utsho is one of those. The amount of money we disburse is really small – between $1,500 – $1,000. It is perhaps a drop in a bucket, but most organizations are grateful for the support and solidarity we show towards them and their work.

Some people are curious about the source of our funding. UNWG, which receives no financial support from the UN, is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. In New York, at UN Headquarters, we run a souvenir shop, where we sell T-shirts and other souvenirs that carry our logo and key messages. We also organize food fairs, cultural events and raffle draws. We also sell our products online and through mail-orders. We also receive donations online at www.unwg.org. Mrs. Ban Ki-moon, wife of the UN Secretary-General, is our current Honorary Chairperson. Mrs. Janet Kurilone is its President. For the past four years, I have been serving as its Director for the Queens Group. Four non-profit and voluntary organizations from Bangladesh, including Utsho, currently receive funding support from UNWG.

I have visited Utsho a number of times. Each time I have been impressed by the dedication and hard work of its staff and the creative energy of its students. I have been pleased to see the gradual expansion of Utsho’s activities. Leena Apa has done wonders with these kids. I wish her and her co-workers my heart-felt best wishes. I know Utsho still has a long way to go. I have no doubt that, with dedication and uncompromising resilience, it will reach its destination.