Jason Spencer-Cooke on giving

1.       Why do you give? Is there something in your family values or personal principles and experiences that inspires your altruism?

For a long time, I have been supporting people who need some help to get ahead. Sometimes these are individuals and sometimes I provide support for groups. My inclination is towards those activities which lead people towards self-sufficiency, through education for example or, better farming methods. I don’t know if I have been influenced by the Bible, but the text from Luke 6-38 resounds: “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete shall it be measured to you again.”

2.       What are your personal experiences and connections to Bangladesh and Oasis for Posterity?

I know Rabiul Islam and his work with Oasis for Posterity through my friendship with Dr. Alimullah Miyan, the founder of IUBAT. Early on, I was working for a United Nations agency to develop training capacity in Dhaka institutions concerned with foreign trade. Miyan, who was then at Dhaka University, impressed me and I invited him to join a “think-tank” for our agency. Later, I supported some early work at IUBAT and thus got to know Miyan's protege, Rabiul. I admired what Miyan was doing for his country’s development; that his student then created an NGO was very inspiring. I admire what Rabiul is now achieving with OfP and want to support that.

3.    Many donors want to create a positive impact with their contributions. What does that impact look like for you?

I give to quite a range of individuals and organisations. Partly this is to do with meaningful personal connections, or what looks to me like a particularly needy case. At other times, it’s money for organisations dealing with health care, or the care of young people experiencing difficulties.

There are so many worthy causes all around us. We are grateful to Jason and many other generous individuals for choosing the Bangladesh Health Project for their valuable contributions of money and time.

First batch of OIST graduates

Rabiul Islam, head of Oasis for Posterity proudly presented news about the first batch of graduates from OIST - Oasis Institute of Science and Technology.

“From OIST, 18 students were eligible for 8th semester or graduation semester examinations. Seven from the Civil Engineering Technology program, and 11 from the Computer Technology program. All the students are waiting for publication of final results. Our motivation to students is ‘Never stop studying after your diploma. Take a job, start earning money, but try to achieve higher degrees so you have a dynamic career throughout your life.’

“A few students are preparing for the national exam so they can qualify for high school teaching jobs (specially two female students from computer technology and one male student from civil engineering). We are providing guidance and will organize coaching sessions. One of our former teachers, who left OIST for a similar job, is also helping them.”

In future blog posts, we will share biographies of the graduates.

Momena’s Story: A Life of Struggle, a Need for Continued Care

Momena’s life has been shaped by hardship from an early age. She was married off in childhood, before she had the opportunity to grow, study or build a life of her own. Instead of security, her first marriage brought suffering and then divorce even before she had a child.

After that, Momena was married off again and at 15 years of age, became the wife of a 60-year old man. They were blessed with a daughter, but after only a few years, her second husband died leaving Momena alone again. Momena and her daughter then lived on someone else’s land. Poverty, uncertainty and social vulnerability continued to follow her.  

Unable to bear the burden of survival, Momena also had to marry off her daughter in childhood. Momena stayed with her daughter’s new family for a few years, but there was not enough income or proper accommodation to support Momena. Eventually, she was forced to leave.

Today, Momena lives alone in a small hut built with the support of kind-hearted local people. She works whenever her health and circumstances allow but regular work is difficult for her. She suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes. Even arranging daily food is a struggle yet she needs regular medication to remain able to work.

Oasis for Posterity (OfP) is standing beside Momena by providing regular medication support. This helps her manage her health, continue working when possible and earn something for her daily food. For Momena, medicine is not just treatment. This timely and consistent support helps Momena survive, work when possible, and live with dignity and hope.

Momena’s story reflects the painful realities faced by many vulnerable women in Bangladesh: child marriage, poverty, widowhood, displacement, illness and loneliness. We are grateful to our donors and well-wishers. You enable OfP to support people like Momena, who have very little to depend on except compassion from others.