Betsy's thoughts on Bangladesh...

It has been less than two weeks since we returned from our adventures in Bangladesh, but I cannot believe we were actually there. The experience has been so profound that it is difficult to put it into words. Pictures say more about our time in the country than I can express.

Rubel and his staff of Design Bangladesh were unbelievable. They not only took incredibly good care of us, but shared their homes and families with us as well. They showed us a part of Bangladesh that few foreigners have ever seen. They also took us to historical sites and museums. From the reception they were given and consequently, we were given, you can tell that Rubel and his staff at Design Bangladesh are well-known there for the good work they do for their country.


The strongest impression I have of Bangladesh is that of the people and how welcoming and friendly they were to us all. At first, some people stared at us – we were definitely different looking and probably for many people, we were the only Americans they had ever seen. But as soon as we smiled at them and put our hand out to shake theirs, we were given big smiles and obvious welcomes. Most of the children all said “hello” and “welcome” in English. Many people wanted their pictures taken with us or brought over their children or friends to talk to us.

The poverty and problems in Bangladesh were clearly visible during our visit, but this did not stop the people from being very proud of their country – very patriotic. It was the birthday of the Father of their Country, Sheukh Mujibur Rahman, celebrated as Children’s Day. All over the country were celebrations reminding everyone of the sacrifice of the Father of their country and also of the Freedom Fighters in 1971 as they won their independence from Pakistan. This was also a time to look toward the future and how important the children are to the country.

One image stands out in my mind – the beautiful colors and designs of the saris worn by all the women. It did not matter what station of life – the women in the slums, the women pouring out of the garment factories or the women in the parks – all were wearing bright, colorful clothes. Most of the women wore headscarves – as did Salley and I. The men were either in western garb or in traditional clothes.

And the children…they are all beautiful. Such big eyes and smiles. It was heartbreaking especially to meet the group of homeless children who live in a park in Dahka. Despite their living conditions, they were laughing and seemed happy, especially to get our coins and the food we brought with us.

We were in the slums, in special needs schools, in a girl’s and a boy’s orphanage and other big schools. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with shouts of welcome and hello and even given flowers. Salley and I want to go back to each of these places and to be able to do something more for all of them. Fortunately, Design Bangladesh is involved with all of the places we visited and we hope to keep our connections with them.

So many impressions, sights, smells and sounds. It was quite a shock to return to Vermont. I woke the next morning, went to the bathroom sink and I was able to turn on a faucet with clean, drinking water. The air was clean and fresh here and so few people. Was I really in Bangladesh? Fortunately, the pictures we have tell me we were actually there and experiencing all the things we did. I am so grateful to The You Are Never Alone Foundation and to Design Bangladesh for this opportunity. It will still take time to digest it all.


The importance of the Caring Coins is something that was clearly validated by the response to them by all the people we gave them to in Bangladesh.