Vision and Operation

Initially, VAB will operate as a national organization with participation from many communities. However, local chapters may gradually organize as activities expand in specific regions. At first, funds will be sought via individual contacts, mailing campaigns, occasional community fund-raising gatherings and newspaper ads. Books, equipment, technical expertise and similar resources will be mobilized as the need for such materials arises. Additionally, funds will be solicited from corporations, foundations and other institutional donors. VAB has a Field Representative in Bangladesh, where its grants will be channeled through existing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). VAB will make an annual grant to benefit activities in Bangladesh; however, a provision for ad hoc grants will exist. VAB mobilizes volunteering spirit and support from individuals in the US and in Bangladesh to organize its activities to help the needy in Bangladesh. As time passes and VAB gains experience, it will implement directly its program activities, which it did in 2005.

Background

Bangladesh is home to 133 million people.  With a land area of 55,598 square miles, it is the most densely populated agricultural country in the world. Because of its susceptibility to monsoon rains and the fact that 90% of the land is less than 30 feet above sea level, Bangladesh is prone to extensive flooding.  In 1998, 70% of the country was underwater; the largest recorded flooding in history. The prevalence of natural disasters exacerbates Bangladesh’s poverty, especially for those who survive on agricultural activities (over 60% of the population).  The GNP per capita in Bangladesh is a mere US $360 that places more than 48% of the population below the poverty line.

Poverty renders education and vocational training difficult, if not impossible for the majority of Bangladesh’s population.  Approximately 48% of Bangladeshi men and 71% of Bangladeshi women remain illiterate. The government has taken measures to improve primary school enrollment and education quality in Bangladesh; however, it has not been able to provide substantial support to secondary school students.  Unlike in the United States, public secondary schools in Bangladesh charge tuition. As families struggle just to subsist, paying for education is frequently impossible.

Secondary education in Bangladesh is also plagued by many severe constraints: a high drop out rate, limited physical facilities, and virtually no computers and a high student teacher ratio (60:1). Only three out of 10 students who enter class VI complete grade ten and pass SSC exam.

VAB provides scholarships to secondary school students based on need and merit.  In 2003, VAB will expand its support by allocating funds and resources to improve the schools’ libraries, laboratories, computer training facilities, and extracurricular activities. VAB will continue to add new activities if they were needed to realize its main vision of empowering the underprivileged youth with quality education for a better life.