Project Summary:
Renovation of 1st storey dormitory and construction of 2nd storey dormitory to accommodate 169 boys staying in the orphanage. Existing building was in poor condition and very crowded.
Period: July to December 2012
Project Description:
The Bangalhalia Agapara Buddhist Welfare Orphanage (BABWO) is a non-profit charity and runs a welfare home for orphans, destitute and disadvantaged children. It is located in the District of Rangamati Hill, Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.
The BABWO was founded by Venerable U. Khemachara Mahathero, who in 1979 returned to his homeland after studying in Myanmar and was stuck by the poverty of his people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. One day, he had attempted to bring two poor children to a big orphanage in Chittagong only to find disorder and neglect. This experience made him question himself on why he had to rely on others and not create an orphanage in his own village to provide better services for the orphans and helpless children in the Chittagong Hills Tracts. Starting with 5 boys, the home grew to housing 169 boys in very cramped conditions. The dormitory extension was much needed to accommodate the growing number of children at the orphanage home.
Voices from the heart of BABWO
BABWO Founder President - By Ven U Khemachara Mahathero
Before did not meet with Firefly Mission, my orphanage children and I was in difficult condition. The condition of the Bangalhalia Agapara Buddhist Welfare Orphanage are changing since 2012 met the Firefly Mission in July 2011 though the Bro Mong Mong Thun Marma and receiving many kind of support from Firefly Mission such as 1st floor extended dormitory, children sponsorship program and in-kind donation; school uniform, blanket and jacket and education stationeries. It is happening by Bro Mong Mong Thun Marma for his gave built a bridge of relationship between BABWO and Firefly Mission unless still I have to live in difficult condition. I shall never forget it and blessing to all of you for your Metta.
Now I can live and looking after our orphanage children without any difficulties. Timely I can feed our children, with satisfactoriness our children are getting chance to study their education without any difficulties.
Through the BABWO the other three orphanages; Sanghamitta Saba Sangha Buddhist Orphanage, Buddha Shishu Ghar, and Buddhist Temple Orphanage are received support and donations from Firefly Mission. There are Residential Junior High School, Barbed wire fencing project and donation for foods, blankets, jacket and solar, water tank and generator. I am very happy for it. I sincerely gratitude and blessing to all of members of Firefly Mission including Swan fund, Donors, supporters and well-wishers of BABWO may happy, healthy, prosperous and live long.
Nibba Nassa Pachaya Hontu!
