Jerry's Work
Trip Start
Jul 01, 2005
1
10
18
Trip End
Oct 01, 2007
Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Saturday, January 7, 2006
Jerry
MCC BANGLADESH AND THE MAN WHO (does not) DIE RICH
"The man who dies rich, dies disgraced". Andrew Carnegie ,.....
quoted in a TIME magazine article about Bill and Melinda Gates' recent visit to Bangladesh. Contrary to the big splash the world's richest couple made in visiting the poorest country in this part of the world, MCC has been slowly going about doing good here since 1970. Ethel and my two years in Bangladesh will be but a short stint in this long impressive history.
Our long term Bangladeshe employees are quick to proudly tell anyone who asks, just how long they have worked with MCC, which Country Representative hired them, and in what positions they've worked. They also will tell you when seeing cauliflower or carrots in the market that MCC was one of the first to introduce these winter veggies to the village farmers here. Now these veggies are everywhere. Currently the MCC agriculture program promotes (through partner organizations) growing chickens or pigs over ponds, which in turn provides food for the fish below
MCC Leaders on a Picnic
. (one project example)The other day while walking through a village, I saw a woman working what is known as a rower pump. I asked our Associate Director who has been with MCC 25 years about the pump. He gave me a history lesson of how MCC introduced this need-no-electricity pump here many years ago and that now anyone can buy one in the market. MCC used to help promote latrine construction for health reasons. Now one can see latrines tops being build in practically every corner of Bangladesh. MCC now focuses its health energies on providing arsenic-free drinking water to families living in areas where arsenic occurs naturally in the ground water.
Nothing is more impressive about MCC Bangladesh than the ten self-sufficient handicraft organizations that were begun by MCC. These organizations provide employment for hundreds of women, and markets their handicrafts internationally through Ten Thousand Villages and other marketing organizations. The annual sales of these ten organizations have grown well beyond the budget size of MCC Bangladesh. During our two years here we will have the privilege of helping form a legal structure that will be the final step to complete organizational independence from MCC of these ten organizations. Currently our job creation program is nurturing the development of another five womens' handicraft groups. Some of these groups are expanding their vision beyond handicrafts to products like soap making.
Bangladesh is natural disaster prone
Showing government official our projects
. When a flood (the most common disaster) happens, all staff are called on to help distribute goods to the needy (mostly food) through our partner organizations. In addition 14,000 school kits and other material aids are distributed annually to schools and orphanages run by religious groups. (see the description of Ethel's work)Recently MCC has discovered a new area of need - teaching creative ways to work at conflict resolution and promoting discussions among people from different religions. This is an area that will likely get a lot of attention the second half of the 21 century.
If it is a disgrace to die rich, it is also a disgrace to die poor. These two ideas are, of course, connected and thankfully understood at least in part by the likes of Bill and Melinda Gates.
Ethel and I are excited to be part of the MCC effort here. We depend on the thousands of the smaller Bill and Melinda Gates in North America who believe in what we are doing.
Thank you!
Jerry
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FIRST DAY IN THE OFFICE:
November 8, 2005, our official first day in the MCC Bangladesh office. We survived!
There are 18 office staff counting two full time drivers and two full time guards. Ethel and I are the only non Bangladeshi persons assigned to this office. Currently there are a total of 7 North Americans working with MCC in all of Bangladesh
The Center of Attention
. We function as co-country representatives (we have equal administrative authority, and will divide up the work load according to our interests and skills. There is a Bangladeshi Associate Director and an accountant. We walk into a fairly well functioning operation. Our annual operation budget is around $US 750,000. Our day's activities consisted of meetings (so what is new!). In one of these we reviewed a draft of a 5-year plan which is due to the Bangladeshi government by the end of the week. Of course, we found out how to turn on our computers, tested our email system, and had mid morning tea along with everyone else.
Things we found that sort of got our attention?
1) Our not speaking Bangla very well. Although even when we are not there, most meetings are conducted in English. Walk out the door and see a guard or driver and our lack of operational Bangla is quickly felt.
2) Being driven when we go by car anywhere. Each of the two cars has a full time driver assigned. This driver's job is to look after the car, keep it clean, serviced, and ready to go at anytime day or night. (some of those air flights come in quite early in the morning) Most of our local travel is by rickshaw, or small motorized three-wheeled vehicles. We live within a 5-minute walk from the office. We may never drive during the entire two years we are here.
3) Gracious deference given to the two of us. They know what they are doing, we know less. Yet, the Bangladeshi culture easily defers to the foreigner. Our challenge is to not abuse this graciousness. Actually there are tasks that are best done by a Bangladeshi and others that are best done by a foreigner.
4) Competent staff who know what they are doing, have an admirable commitment to the values of MCC and who love to work with MCC. Seeing this dedication and commitment helps us through days like today.
Jerry
