From London to Dhaka
London & Dhaka - a little while ago, MSI’s UK programme held a competition to send a team member to visit one of the MSI programmes in Africa or Asia. The aim was to encourage a greater understanding of the work done
internationally, which part of the surplus from the UK helps to support. Collette Doyle came joint fi rst in the competition and spent time with Marie Stopes Clinic Society (MSCS) in Bangladesh. Here she talks about her trip and the impact it had.
“When I won, I didn’t fully appreciate what an amazing and rewarding experience it would be. I now have first hand knowledge of the amazing work which Marie Stopes Clinic Society carries out.”
Despite being a short trip, Collette saw a variety of services. On her first day, she visited an Urban Primary Healthcare Project, and a premium maternity centre, as well as observing MSCS’ homeless programme.
“I was lucky enough to travel in one of the MSCS vans which drive out to areas where homeless people congregate. I was surprised by the number of clients who can be seen. About 70 people were helped during my visit. Actually seeing all the families sleeping on the floor made me very sad but I was uplifted by the amazing work carried out by my colleagues.”
During the next three days Collette travelled to some of MSCS’ mini centres (which are often in the slums) as well as visiting one of the factories where the team in Bangladesh run a mobile health card scheme. Under the scheme, the team go into the factories and on-site provide the workers there with healthcare services; services, that they would otherwise not be able to access as taking time off work to go to a health centre would mean that they would lose pay.
The MSCS team also run information and question & answer sessions as well as referring the workers on for other, more specialist services if need be.
Collette’s favourite part of the trip was a visit to a programme for young people; a network made up of twelve centres located in deprived parts of Dhaka and Chittagong which provide recreational activities, peer education and life-skill training.
“I was shocked by the poverty in the area surrounding the centre I visited, but will always remember seeing the MSI sign in the middle of the slum. There was such a warm and happy atmosphere inside the centre and it was
immediately clear how much the young people enjoy spending
time there.
“I was treated to some group singing and the young people proudly showed me paintings, candles and bags that they had made. I was so impressed by the centre and the wonderful, dedicated team members there. The young people explained how they line up outside waiting for the centre to open and told me it is their favourite place to have fun and learn essential life skills.
When I won the trip I didn’t realise just how much of an amazing
opportunity it would be. I will never forget it and the innovative work done by the MSCS team. I hope the work they do helping the poor and vulnerable will continue to grow and expand. It’s very rewarding to know the work done here in the UK is helping to make such a positive improvement to the people of
Bangladesh.”
Collette Doyle