We would like the orphanage to accomplish a stable financial foundation by expanding both the vegetable garden and the cow herd. The boys will benefit from consuming their home-grown vegetables and the milk produced by their cows.  Any excess production can be sold in the market to raise money.

But first, we need help. Currently the boys are preparing the land for growth totally by hand, using only adzes and wooden clubs to break up the large dirt clods. It is time-consuming and laborious work done in their time off from their studies. A tractor would go a long way toward helping them become much more productive. Increased productivity could ultimately allow the orphanage to hire a small staff, further maximizing the income potential to the orphanage.

The orphanage also has twelve cows, though this modest herd is not yet producing enough milk for the boys to consume.  All the current milk production is being sold in the market in order to keep the cows fed. With some seed capital to expand the herd however, the orphanage could expand its dairy endeavor and produce enough to provide the boys with a daily glass of milk and some much needed dietary protein.   Also, any excess production could be sold in the market with anticipated profits used to meet orphanage expenses.

Among the many non-implemented ideas struggling to find a foothold is the concept of technical training for the boys.  The goals here are at least twofold:  one, the boys would learn a technical skill that could carry them through a lifelong career; two, after some initial training the boys could contribute to the self-sustaining aspect of the long-term plan by performing necessary build/repair functions for the surrounding community.

With the educational base provided by the orphanage, many of the boys have managed to successfully attend college and even university.  These cases are not the norm however, as boys who wish to attend college or university must do so on their own–the orphanage cannot afford to support them beyond the age of 18. With limited family networks, and job opportunities scarce in Bhola, circumstances are not conducive for orphans seeking higher education. Our hope is to establish an ongoing financial aid program for those seeking higher education.

By Bangladesh law, girls and boys cannot be housed in the same building. Currently, there is nowhere for destitute girls to live in Bhola District, which is where Char Fasson orphanage is located. If the orphan girls of the area have no family to take them in, they either become prostitutes, indentured servants, or they starve. We feel that the girls of the area should have the same rights as the boys to nourishing food, a proper education, and a chance to grow into productive citizens.