A Visit from Bangladesh
From September 7 to 29, three members of our Bangladeshi staff are visiting the Netherlands for a work visit.
They are Ahad, Project Manager; Moni, Team Leader in the city; and Ity, a teacher in the preschool preparation group.
During their stay, they will visit several day-care centres for children with disabilities. They will have the opportunity to observe the work of our Dutch colleagues, learn from their experiences, and, most importantly, share experiences and ideas with one another.
We will also meet with sponsors and many people who are closely involved with our work and support what we do.
Of course, there will also be some time for relaxation and sightseeing in the Netherlands.
We hope it will be an inspiring, educational and enjoyable visit for everyone!
Greetings,
Ria
September 8, First Work Visit: KDC Spijkenisse
Today, September 8, we visited KDC Spijkenisse, a day-care centre for children with disabilities. Our colleague, the physiotherapist, had prepared a wonderful programme for us in consultation with the group leaders.
We received a very warm welcome. For me personally, it was especially nice to return to my former workplace and meet my former colleagues again.
We divided ourselves among several groups, including the beginner group, the school-preparation group, and a group for children with intensive care needs. This last group has been beautifully adapted into a low-stimulation, sound-reducing environment.
For our Bangladeshi staff, it was a very impressive, educational and wonderful day. Once we were back home, we talked about everything we had seen and learned for a long time. We especially discussed how we could apply what we had learned in Bangladesh and how we could share this knowledge with parents and other members of our staff.
A big thank you to Jacqueline and all the group leaders who were so willing to share their knowledge, experience and daily work with us.
Greetings, Ria
An Inspiring Afternoon at Rijndam
An Inspiring Afternoon at Rijndam
After a lovely morning at Blijdorp Zoo, where our Bangladeshi colleagues were amazed — their zoo does not have real animals — we visited Rijndam Rehabilitation Centre and Mytyl School, where Charline, our occupational therapist, works.
Charline and the manager gave us a warm welcome. After watching a beautiful video about our work in Bangladesh, Charline showed us around her workplace.
We were very impressed by the beautiful new building, the wide range of excellent materials, and the most modern assistive technologies, including robots.
Although these facilities are not yet available in Bangladesh, they inspire us to explore what can be possible.
Charline’s enthusiasm completed our afternoon and made it a great success!
Greetings, Ria
On Friday, september 11, we visited "Wilde Ganzen"
On Friday, we continued our tour with a visit to Wilde Ganzen.
As we work closely with them, it was very valuable for our Bangladeshi project manager, Ahad, to meet our contact person there in person.
We communicate frequently by email and video calls, but now they finally have a face to put to the name on the other side of the screen.
We discussed our ways of working, answered questions, and explored possibilities for future cooperation. We will also be taking part again next year in the fundraising campaign during Wilde Week in April. It’s never boring at PhySCI, we’re ready to take it on!
Greetings from Ria
Monday, September 14, After a festive weekend we visited Hodeka, a workplace and employment centre for people with disabilities
After a festive weekend, during which our guests met many friends and donors of PhySCI and discovered the local thrift shops, we were back on the road for another work visit.
This time, we visited Hodeka, a workplace and employment centre for people with disabilities.
The sewing group gave us many ideas that we can apply to our practical education programme. For example, a fabric cutter and cutting mat can be very useful when taking measurements and cutting fabric is difficult.
We also visited the woodworking and ceramics groups. The staff shared valuable tips on how to make activities and tasks easier and more accessible for the clients. They patiently explained their work, and the clients were happy to show us what they had made.
It was a very meaningful and inspiring visit. Afterwards, we cleared our heads by taking a refreshing walk among the famous windmills of Kinderdijk.
Greetings from Ria
Wednesday16 September, we visited the RECON Open-Air School in Rotterdam.
Today, 16 September, we visited the RECON Open-Air School in Rotterdam.
The physiotherapist was already waiting for us and first gave us a presentation about the school and the care it provides.
It is a school for children who all have a serious medical condition or illness and therefore need medical or paramedical support.
It was very special to see the kind of care and support that is provided. One thing that particularly touched us was the message the children are given: you have an illness, but you are not your illness. You are a person with possibilities, and together we work on independence, education and development.
We saw many simple but effective tools to help children communicate, express their feelings and understand their daily programme. The physiotherapist also showed us how easy it can be to make some of these materials ourselves.
It was especially nice to see that they, just like us in Bangladesh, make use of so-called “waste materials” to create sensory materials and activities for developing hand motor skills. We were very impressed by the school and its approach.
We would love to welcome this wonderful physiotherapist to Bangladesh one day!
Greetings from Ria
Today, the guests from Bangladesh are preparing a delicious Bengali meal
Today, the guests from Bangladesh are preparing a delicious Bengali meal at Ria’s home.
There will be 18 guests, so 23 people in total. Quite a big job! They started early this morning.
We always start around 7 or 8 o’clock as well. It’s always a lot of work, but doing it together makes it a lot of fun.
The kitchen is quite a mess, but they always make sure to clean everything up afterwards.
It’s lovely to see in the photo that he is also sitting on the floor here, helping to prepare the meal.
It’s certainly not a day off. They’ll be busy all day, including during the meal. They’ll help with serving the food, but we’ll all do that together.
The Meal itself
After a whole day of preparations, it was finally time for the meal itself.
Our Bangladeshi guests spent the entire day cooking. The kitchen was busy and full of activity, but above all, it was a lot of fun and very gezellig. In the end, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal. It was not only incredibly tasty, but also a wonderful and memorable experience to share together.
Saturday, September 19 – Sightseeing in The Hague
Today we set out to explore The Hague. Unfortunately, it was pouring with rain, but that didn’t stop us from having a great time. Despite the heavy rain, we visited some beautiful places around the city and enjoyed a lovely day together.
The Hague has so much to offer, and even in the pouring rain it was great to discover the city together. The atmosphere was wonderful, and we had a fun and memorable day.
Sunday, September 20 How Dutch can you get?
🇳🇱 Delft, a traditional street organ playing in the streets, picturesque canals, little bridges lined with bicycles, and of course De Porceleyne Fles, where the famous Delft Blue pottery is still made today.
And naturally, we couldn’t resist taking a look at the prices… a single little Delft Blue egg cup costs no less than €100! 😉😉
Another lovely day, which we ended with delicious pizzas at Jordi and Charline’s. 🍕
Sunday September 19
Sunday was a wonderful day to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful beach.
Monday september 21
Today, we were back out on a work visit, this time to a day centre for adults in Schiedam.
We received a very warm welcome and were first given an explanation of the support and care the day centre provides.
After that, we were taken on a tour of the different groups and met the clients. Our Bangladeshi guests were very impressed by how old some of the clients have become. In their region of Bangladesh, people with multiple disabilities often do not live much beyond the age of 30, and in general, people in Bangladesh do not tend to live to a very old age.
They were deeply moved by the love, care and attention with which the clients are supported and guided. It was very special and touching for them to experience this. A truly wonderful visit.
As we said goodbye, we were given some lovely handmade gifts, made by the clients of Ipse, to take home for the children in Bangladesh. Such a sweet and thoughtful gesture! Thank you so much, Lineke, Marlies and all your colleagues, for your warm welcome and for making this visit so special.
September 22, our day in Amsterdam
Yesterday was our day in Amsterdam. We started with a lovely and meaningful meeting with Betteke and Annemarie from partner organisations we work with, including Friendship. We met in a beautiful building belonging to the Tropenmuseum – a special place that you don’t often get to visit. After that, of course, we took a boat trip through Amsterdam’s famous canals. We visited Dam Square and the Royal Palace, walked along the Kalverstraat and the Rokin, and enjoyed a delicious portion of chips with mayonnaise along the way. Travelling by public transport was also quite an experience for our Bangladeshi guests. Especially when you know what public transport is like in Bangladesh, travelling by train, tram and metro in the Netherlands is an experience in itself!
Wednesday september 23: What an amazing event: the BESOSLOOP!
Yesterday, we were guests at the BESOSLOOP in Bergschenhoek. An incredible 262 children took part in the run to raise money for Stichting PhySCI.
BESOS stands for Bergschenhoekse Stichting voor OntwikkelingsSamenwerking, a local foundation for development cooperation.
It was a wonderful event and a tradition that has been going strong for almost 40 years. The run is organised by four enthusiastic volunteers, and this year ten primary schools took part.
Our Bangladeshi guests were amazed by what they saw. They were even allowed to stamp the children’s lap cards and clearly loved watching all the enthusiastic children, their cheeks glowing red from the effort. Young and old, everyone gave it their very best. Some of the children ran eight laps of 900 metres each, and one child even managed nine! It was fantastic: positive, cheerful and full of happy, enthusiastic children and parents. Absolutely wonderfull!
We will hear the final amount raised later, but what we saw yesterday was already so special and heartwarming.
Best wishes, Ria
Friday september 25: Our Last Work Visit: Kinderdienstencentrum Zonnehof
Today was our final work visit, to Kinderdienstencentrum Zonnehof in Naaldwijk, part of Ipse de Bruggen.
It is a familiar place for me, with colleagues I know well. Being back there felt almost like going back to work myself — and it felt wonderful! After a tour of the centre, we had the opportunity to join in with activities in several different groups. We took part in work sessions, a music session and a gym group. We also observed the treatment of a boy with respiratory problems and had the chance to try out a walking trainer with a little boy.
It was a very varied programme, and our Bangladeshi guests took everything in with great interest. They were also impressed by the wonderful facilities, including wheelchairs with orthotic supports, height-adjustable and tilting beds, hoist systems and supportive positioning systems designed to provide the children with greater comfort.
But above all, it was the wonderful children who touched us the most. They are the reason why we — and our Bangladeshi guests too — love this work so much.
And we really hit the jackpot today… or should we say, we landed right in the middle of the fries! Nicolette was celebrating her 25th work anniversary, and we were lucky enough to join in the celebrations and enjoy some delicious fries.
Thank you so much, dear colleagues and children of Kinderdienstencentrum Zonnehof, for this special and truly impressive day! Love Ria
Saturday september 26 we visited a tomato farm owned by friends in Kwintsheul.
Today we visited a tomato farm owned by friends in Kwintsheul. Their greenhouses cover an incredible 600 hectares, and they grow around 700 different varieties of tomatoes. 🍅 It was really interesting to see — such a huge and completely up-to-date operation!
Afterwards, we took a drive around the Westland area and stopped for a drink in ’t Woud. 🍹
And yes… Dutch cows are different too! 🤣🐄
Love Ria
Three Wonderful Weeks Together Goodbye, and Thank You for the Memories
After visiting Madurodam on Sunday, our guests from Bangladesh had certainly seen a great deal of the Netherlands.
Yesterday was time to pack, squeeze everything in, and even arrange some extra luggage allowance. We had also collected a lot of knitted sweaters and blankets to send along with them, so that the children in Bangladesh can use them when the weather gets cold.
With an emotional farewell at Schiphol Airport, their adventure here came to an end.
We look back on three wonderful, memorable, fun and, above all, very meaningful weeks. We shared so many experiences and made some truly special memories together.
News about our daycare centre
Success of Mahadi
Mahadi is 3 years and 6 months old. His father’s name is Rubel Hossain. He works as a mason. His mother, Khadija Begum, is a housewife.
Mahadi is their only child.
Mahadi lives in Kheruajani Chondrer Bazar, Mymensingh. He was born in 2022 at his parents’ home. Two days after his birth, his parents noticed that he had jaundice and took him to the hospital. He stayed in an incubator for ten days. After receiving treatment for the jaundice, he was able to return home.
When Mahadi was one month old, he developed pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital again, this time for seven days. At the age of two months, he suddenly developed a high fever and seizures. He cried almost continuously throughout the day, so his parents took him to a doctor for further treatment.
At the age of one, Mahadi developed severe diarrhoea and was admitted to hospital for three days. After treatment, he returned home. For several months he seemed to be doing quite well and developed like a healthy child.
However, when Mahadi was one and a half years old, he again developed a high fever and seizures. His parents took him to the hospital, but unfortunately he did not receive appropriate treatment. According to his parents, he was given the wrong medication, which resulted in brain damage affecting one side of his body. His left side became paralysed. The parents then decided to change doctors. The new doctor advised them to take Mahadi to the Dhaka Neuro Medical Hospital. Unfortunately, because of their difficult financial situation, they were unable to take him to Dhaka. Instead, they continued his treatment in Mymensingh. The doctor recommended physiotherapy for Mahadi.
A New Start at the Daycare: In 2024, Mahadi’s parents heard about the Daycare Centre in Barera. After an assessment, Mahadi became a member of the daycare.
When he first arrived, he was unable to use his left hand. He could not stand or walk without assistance. At first, he did not want to participate in any of the activities at the daycare. But gradually, he began to trust us and accept our help.
We taught his mother exercises that she could do with him at home. She started practising these exercises with him every day. Slowly, we began to see improvements in Mahadi’s development. Today, Mahadi can stand and walk independently. He can also use his left hand again. He is now participating in our Pre-School activities, where he is learning and developing very well. We are extremely happy and proud of his progress. His parents are very happy too. We are deeply grateful to Ria Schmitz and her donor organisations, who continue to support us and make it possible for children like Mahadi to receive the care, therapy and opportunities they need. Thank you for helping to give Mahadi a brighter future.
Ronok’s Story
Sparks of succes
Background: Ronok is a 4-year-old boy who has faced one of life’s toughest challenges since the day he was born. His mother sadly passed away during childbirth. Since then, Ronok has been lovingly raised by his paternal uncle, who has cared for him wVoeg je koptekst hier toeith endless love, dedication and commitment.
Although Ronok’s life began with such a great loss, the unconditional love and care of his uncle have become his greatest source of strength and comfort.
His Initial Condition: When Ronok first came to our centre in 2021, his physical condition was very weak. He was unable to sit or stand independently, could not use his hands effectively and was unable to walk on his own.
After an assessment, it became clear that Ronok needed appropriate therapy, support and guidance to help him develop his physical abilities.
Therapy and Support: Ronok started receiving regular therapy sessions at our centre. Our dedicated team provided early intervention, continuous physiotherapy and specially adapted devices according to his individual needs.
Alongside the professional support he received at the centre, the constant encouragement and involvement of his uncle played a very important role in his progress.
Remarkable mprovement: Through consistent therapy, care and encouragement, Ronok has made remarkable progress.
He can now sit and stand independently, use both of his hands much more effectively and even take a few steps on his own. His development has been truly inspiring to everyone at the centre.
The Impact on His Family: Ronok’s uncle is deeply happy and grateful to see the progress his nephew has made. He says that Ronok’s development has brought new hope to their family.
Sometimes Ronok sits with his uncle at his shop simply to enjoy being together and to watch what is happening around him. For his uncle, seeing Ronok take his first independent steps was an unforgettable moment.
He feels that those first steps symbolise the power of love, care and appropriate intervention.
Conclusion: Ronok’s journey shows how early intervention, timely therapy, consistent care and strong family involvement can make a remarkable difference in a child’s physical development.
His progress is a true example of hope and perseverance. Today, Ronok’s smiling face and growing independence inspire everyone at our centre.
With continued support and care, we believe that Ronok will have many more opportunities to grow, learn and build a brighter future.
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Rajib’s Story
Background: Rajib is an 8-year-old boy who joined our daycare centre in 2018. His parents learned about our daycare programme through other parents in their community. They were looking for support for their son and brought him to our centre, hoping that he would receive the help he needed to overcome his physical and developmental challenges.
His Initial Condition: When Rajib first came to our centre, he had several difficulties. He was unable to sit, stand or walk without assistance, making many everyday activities impossible for him.
His communication skills were also very limited. He was unable to express his needs clearly and could not communicate verbally with others.
Therapy and Progress: Through regular therapy and consistent support, following the treatment plan developed by our daycare team, Rajib has made remarkable progress.
Today, he is able to sit, stand and walk independently. He is also able to say a few words, and we are optimistic that his ability to communicate will continue to improve and become more fluent in the coming year.
According to his intellectual and developmental level, Rajib continues to participate in our Pre-School Programme. We are pleased to see that his understanding and intellectual abilities are gradually improving.
Looking Towards the Future
Next year, Rajib is expected to move from the Pre-School Programme into our Inclusive Education Programme. There, he will have the opportunity to continue developing academically, socially and in his communication skills.
The encouragement and active involvement of his family remain very important factors in his continued development and progress.
Conclusion
Rajib’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of early intervention, therapy and consistent support.
He has come a long way from being a child who was unable to move or communicate independently. Today, he is taking confident steps, learning new skills and preparing to continue his education.
With continued guidance, family involvement and support, we believe that Rajib can look forward to a brighter and more independent future.
Many great children visit our daycare centre. Their age is between a few months till 16 years.
They all are physical or multiple disabled. Though not one child is the same. All are unique and have individual wishes and possibilities.
All children receive an assessment and investigation at the start by a professional with the company of the staff and mothers. We do this together to learn from the process and from each other as much as possible. Also every year we do an evaluation and make a individual plan with goals and wishes.
Read more in this document: 20210701Our-work-in-Bangladesh
Evaluation Foodsupport 2020
Food support: During the corona Crisis ADD triedto mitigate hunger of children and their families. We provided 110 children and their families 7 month food support.
Tailoring: In corona crisis many parents lost their jobs and it was difficult to survive. ADD took initiatives to train the parents in tailoring so they can create income themselves and contribute to the family income. The number of 45 parents received tailoring training and received a sawing machine. We evaluate that most of the parents function their tailoring in their village and make income.
Livestock: In Corona crisis time ADD tried to involve parents into the income generating activities. We provided cows, goats and chickens to the parents for income generating activities. After one year we evaluate that many cows had a calf and milk however, some cows were sold after fattening. Parents selling milk in the village market and some cows with calf were sold. In these activities parents make income in crisis situation. Unfortunately the number of 7 cows became sick and were sold at a very small amount. Those parents would like to take cows again.
Goat is fattening and sold in village market and make profit.
Parents are very happy of income generating activities.
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