My stay in Katigram Manikgonj Branch

My experience in this second trip, was beautiful. I think that I have started to understand better the work done by Grameen and their staff. The situation of the majority of women has improved a lot in the last 30 years, although there is a vast difference of status between women and men. Women are in charge of paying back the loan and going to centre meetings every week, while men run the business. Some women tell us that both decide at home, but men have the last word. Nowadays, women gain a daily space in community; they leave their houses, share time everyday with other women and also have to pay the loan payment. There is much to do for women and their situation. But cultural legacy here is very strong. For instance, women do not eat together with their men, they serve the meal and wait for men to finish, then they start eating the leftovers (I witnessed this at two branches). As a woman, seeing the way they are treated is harsh and greatly annoying. It is impossible to get used to that, because it is really unfair.
In this occasion I was able to enjoy the landscape, we had long walks through rice fields and tobacco plantation. The view was amazing, a rest for the eye and mind. It was really pleasant. Those sceneries invite me to think deeply about many things.
I met many interesting characters in this trip. One of the astonishing things was the generational gap in the villages. Most parents (borrowers from Grameen Bank) send their kids to school and some make the effort to send them to College too. We were able to interview 3 girls that received a Grameen scholarship to start their first year at the university. They will receive 150 tk. monthly (USD 2) during 2009. That is not enough obviously, so their family pays for the rest. This scholarship is given for one unique opportunity, so the rest of the study will depend on the financial situation of their parents. Most parents did not finish primary school, some did not go to school at all, but they do understand the importance and privilege of a good education for their kids. They dream of their kids becoming doctors, teachers, engineers, etc.
Poverty is everywhere, their houses are modest but they manage pretty well with what they have, because here, little is enough. I think they are very good administrators.
To put my impressions and thoughts into words becomes more and more difficult each time. I apologize. During my stay in Tangail, I felt for the fist time in my life that I needed nothing else. It was a very special moment, I didn’t need anything: I had all I needed. There I was, sitting next to the center manager, listening to the borrowers stories and I felt complete, more human than ever. It is hard to go back to reality after such a beautiful and amazing feeling. I wonder which the true reality is…
We also had a lot of interaction with kids. I found an excellent Bangla Shikok (teacher) who taught me to write numbers in Bangla. After half an hour of practice, I can say that I learnt quite well. My teacher was only 13 but he was satisfied with his work.
I also discovered that I have a soft spot for Bangladeshi babies; they are the most beautiful little persons that I’ve ever met in my life. Some pictures to enjoy here.