Patsy Lobo - 2001PRESIDENT’S   MESSAGE

As part of the Global Movement for Children initiated by UNICEF, a significant event was recently organised in Dhaka - the "Say YES for Children Campaign". This was launched by over 1,500 children in the presence of Prime Minister Sheik Hasina. The rallying call of the campaign was "In every child who comes into this world, the hopes and dreams of the human race are born anew". The campaign highlighted 10 Action Points which are to be addressed in order to improve the lives of the children:   

  1. Leave no child out

  2. Put children first

  3. Care for every child

  4. Fight HIV/AIDS

  5. Stop harming and Exploiting children

  6. Listen to the children

  7. Educate every child

  8. Protect children from war

  9. Protect the earth for children

  10. Fight poverty - invest in children

Following this event, our Bangladeshi members organised a programme at the last General Meeting, when a group of disadvantaged children from 'Shishu Bikash Kendra' displayed their talents through music, song and dance. The grand finale was the rendering of the song "I have a dream", which left many of us teary-eyed. I recall the quote of Joe Mannath "Let me never close my heart to the cry of the poor, the pain of the oppressed and the agony of the powerless victims". Let us, as UNWA members and as enlightened citizens, help fulfill the "dreams" of the children of Bangladesh in whatever small way we can.

All kudos to the Bangladeshi members for all their efforts. I wish that the good attendance we had at the last two general meetings will continue for the rest of the year. I would also like to see more members attending the lunches and other activities.

UNWA bids farewell to past and present Board members-Bep Fleuren Lucassen, Ellen Lhalungpa and Leocardia Byenkya. All three of them have been truly dedicated to UNWA.

Thank you Bep, Ellen and Leocardia.

The summer vacation is on the horizon and soon many of us will be on our holiday jaunts. Those of you who are here, have the special privilege of welcoming newcomers to Dhaka - match the summer heat with your warmth and the brightness of your hospitality! I look forward to seeing all of you, along with your spouses, on Friday 8th June 2001. This is the first time in the recent history of UNWA that we have extended an invitation to our spouses, so lets make the evening special!

I am off to Detroit-USA to see our newborn grandson-Ahmik and will be away for about seven weeks. Until I return, take care and God bless!     

PATSY LOBO