BANGLADESH’S vibrant culture was celebrated on May 23 when Caritas Australia thanked its Brisbane supporters with a “For the Love of Bangladesh” photography exhibition and supper at Lourdes Hill College, Hawthorne.
The stunningly colourful photographs of Bangladeshi locals, countryside, cityscapes and Caritas’ development initiatives were taken by the five participants of Queensland’s first Caritas Australia Immersion Program who opted to visit Bangladesh in January.
Sharing her photographs and stories, mother of three, Jaye Barros, spoke warmly of the strong sharing ethos she witnessed in rural villages.
At a ‘Women’s Group Meeting, the Immersion group watched as a baby was passed from one women to another, each comforting the newborn.
“It was often difficult to know which mother belonged to which child as all the women…participated in caring for and consoling the babies and smaller children.”
Members of Brisbane’s Bangladeshi Association shared in the evening’s festivities, with Middle Park State School student, Nushin Alam, 11, winning the night’s ‘lucky door’ prize, her choice of stretched canvas photograph.
In recognition of their ongoing generosity and support, executive director of Brisbane Catholic Education, David Hutton, and Lourdes Hill College assistant principal, Ms Julie Allen, were presented with a photograph each by Brisbane archdiocesan director of Caritas Australia, Patricia Ryan.
Caritas Australia’s Bangladeshi development programs include the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation, the establishment of fish farming, anti-trafficking initiatives, improving infant and maternal health, and practical assistance to communities affected by the 2007 floods.
Unable to attend due to flight delays, Caritas Australia’s chief executive officer, Jack de Groot, sent a message of thanks to Caritas’ Brisbane archdiocesan supporters.
