On the meaning of neighbor. Part 2.
Many non-governmental agencies and foundations are established to meet the needs of humanity that cannot or will not be met by government programs. Political corruption and economic greed are common causes of neglect for one's citizens. Of course corruption exists within NGOs, but at their core, NGOs are founded on empathy. They stand in the gap for those that have no voice or means.
Private hospitals have sprung up all over Bangladesh as a reaction and response to the conditions described in the previous post. Some of these are specifically for those that can pay, but many are for all persons in need.
Diane has come to know Miriam, a 9 year-old girl who cannot walk and has no wheelchair. This means her very slight mother must carry her about.
Enter, CRP—Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed
CRP was started by Valerie Taylor in 1979 in response to the massive need for services for the disabled population of Bangladesh. This is a country where workers build multi-storied structures without helmets or harnessing, where an unwieldy amount of people jam streets crowded with packed rickshaws, buses and bicycles. There are many sub-standard working conditions which give-way to disability, not to mention those that are simply born with complications. Furthermore, this is a society which marginalized those with disabilities, they are hidden away as an embarrassment or curse on the family. Up until one mighty woman stepped forward to literally get rolling, there was nothing. CRP has single-handedly changed the face of disability in Bangladesh. No one in need is turned away regardless of wealth or status. All are treated equally.
Many non-governmental agencies and foundations are established to meet the needs of humanity that cannot or will not be met by government programs. Political corruption and economic greed are common causes of neglect for one's citizens. Of course corruption exists within NGOs, but at their core, NGOs are founded on empathy. They stand in the gap for those that have no voice or means.
Private hospitals have sprung up all over Bangladesh as a reaction and response to the conditions described in the previous post. Some of these are specifically for those that can pay, but many are for all persons in need.
Diane has come to know Miriam, a 9 year-old girl who cannot walk and has no wheelchair. This means her very slight mother must carry her about.
Enter, CRP—Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed
CRP was started by Valerie Taylor in 1979 in response to the massive need for services for the disabled population of Bangladesh. This is a country where workers build multi-storied structures without helmets or harnessing, where an unwieldy amount of people jam streets crowded with packed rickshaws, buses and bicycles. There are many sub-standard working conditions which give-way to disability, not to mention those that are simply born with complications. Furthermore, this is a society which marginalized those with disabilities, they are hidden away as an embarrassment or curse on the family. Up until one mighty woman stepped forward to literally get rolling, there was nothing. CRP has single-handedly changed the face of disability in Bangladesh. No one in need is turned away regardless of wealth or status. All are treated equally.
There are heaps of opportunities including: wheelchair basketball, equine therapy and art classes where students learn to paint with their mouths and feet. There are integrated schools where disabled students work right along side those without disabilities. There are vocational programs where students learn to sew, to garden, to build furniture, toys and wheelchairs. Many of those employed in the center started out here as patients themselves. In a world where they are set up to be forgotten, one woman made sure these human beings would be treated as human beings. Over thirty years later, there are now four centers throughout Bangladesh, 13 rehab hospitals, accident prevention centers, hundreds of students and specialists flock here to provide and receive training. Today, CRP receives international funding, accolade and support. All because one, mighty woman dared to stand up for those who literally couldn't stand up or speak up for themselves.
What a stark contrast to the misery of the government hospital! Three cheers for Diane who knew of this great NGO and for Valerie Taylor who tirelessly champions the value of each human being. Beauty found!
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