Feature

Free Medical Camp for child workers

Md. Belal Hossain

ABOUT 500 years ago the degree of poverty was lower despite the absence of scientific innovation and modern technologies. The world has witnessed industrial revolution, journey to the moon with the help of science and technology. But Science and Technology at the same time arose as the inducement for creative destruction, social and economic inequality, food insecurity, poverty and environmental degradation around the globe. So security does not merely depend on technological innovation and scientific progress rather it depends on proper distribution of resources. The young generation has taken initiatives and addressed challenges of all kinds, social and economic inequality and injustice.

South Asian Youth Society (SAYS), an active youth leaders' community of Bangladesh was instrumental in implementing the project 'Free medical treatment for child workers' at Arambagh in Dhaka city as a part of 'shebar maddhome bijoyer prokash' celebrating the 38th Victory Day of Bangladesh. In Arambagh there are hundreds of printing houses where a large number of child workers work in an unhealthy environment. These destitute children are deprived of the basic needs. The medical team representing SAYS gave voluntary treatment to about 80 child workers in Arambagh. The temporary medical camp was set up on the congested street at Arambagh with two tables, several chairs and a banner and a big crowd showed up amazed at the energetic youths involved in such community service. The employers of these children were not concerned enough about their health as they did not primarily care about them but our volunteers made them aware of the importance of treatment with very clear and loud messages. Our volunteers also convinced the local businessmen and community leaders in terms of getting local support to set up the temporary medical camp and making further arrangements. The children were very happy getting free medicines and treatment and a short leave from their monotonous work. They were asking us about when we are coming back for the next medical camp. Students of Notre Dame College including Shafi, Riad, Sharif, Monir, Shobuj and Choyon played an important role in volunteering and making the project successful. Mir Shafiur Rahman a student of Notre Dame College who took the lead in volunteering the program said, ''It is really restoring our hope and reminding me of what I believe in. Together we can change our world.''

''As we stand beside these child workers it would be of some help for them and would create awareness among people '', said Taufique Ahmed Khan, president of SAYS.

(The writer is a student of Dhaka University and Executive Member, South Asian Youth Society (SAYS).