I wanted to help eradicate the slums - Tasmiha Khan

Q: Can you please explain how your service experience/project started?
A: Although initially in 2008 I was supposed to be on a vacation trip, I felt it simply would be an injustice against the people if I were to just lounge around where millions did not even have proper food or shelter. I felt I would be accountable if I didn't utilize my time and energy for a noble cause. Thus, after hours of consultation and meetings, my wonderful Khala (maternal aunt) Afshana Rahman had a contact that was a key component: Dr. Motiur Rahman.

Q: What did Dr. Rahman do?
As: Dr. Rahman worked with the World Health Organization (WHO), and helped me establish partnerships with Radda Maternal and Child Healthcare Clinic in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Q: What did you do at Radda Maternal and Child Healthcare?
A: With training and assistance from my cousins, Tazrin and Sadika Rahman, I was a volunteer clinical researcher conducting a case-study involving Bengali women and infants—many of which who were from the slums of Dhaka and nearby villages. In addition, I was able to prepare food and distributed among malnourished children. With the end of my stay, I discussed the results with the Executive Director of Radda, Dr. Mohiuddin Kamal.

Q: What did you learn from this experience?
A: From this experience, it dawned on me that majority of Bengalis are not able to afford the necessary medications for their treatment. I later realized that several thousands of people were suffering from ailments simply out of ignorance. For many, the basic rules of hand-washing before eating and after using the bathroom were not of the norm. The fundamentals of hygiene were absent among many Bengali families; when analyzed properly, their lifestyle was often the root of many ailments. Illiteracy rates and ignorance was causing much downfall. To me, it simply was not fair that these people lacked the basic knowledge that would provide their wellness. After witnessing such dire situations, I was determined to reverse such disheartening conditions.

Q: After 2008, what motivated you to come back to Bangladesh this May?
A: My Mother, Tazia Rahman, is my greatest pillar in life. If it weren't for her motivation and much-needed advice, I would have been unable to spend my time in Bangladesh this summer. In addition, seeing young people making changes across the world has always been inspiring. However, the most important factor was seeing people in such dire need. These vivid images I've witnessed made me feel like I had a responsibility to fulfill; otherwise I would be accountable to God.

Q: When did this inspiration first start?
A: It was probably during senior year of high school when I became a Youth Advisory Council Member for Do Something.org, a non-profit organization that empowers young people to action. After getting to know some of the staff members including CEO Nancy Lublin, Melanie Stevenson, George Weiner, Aria Finger, Mike Fantini, Jordyn Wells, Amanda Ashton, and Lauren Katz (just to name a few!), I was able to receive proper guidance and support to believe I can truly Do Something whether it be small or big and effectuate great change.

Q: What are your educational plans?
A: Currently, I am a junior at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. I will be receiving my Bachelor's in declared majors of both Psychology and Neuroscience & Behavior. After graduation, I am thinking of getting a Master's in Public Health.

Q: What were some roadblocks you faced when you started your project initially? How did you overcome these problems?

A: Initially, I wanted to help eradicate the slums. My family members shook their heads in dismay. "You won't survive," they told me. "You'll be kidnapped," the youngsters said. I disregarded these comments and had a firm resolve to provide some sort of assistance. After convincing Dr. Rahman, he introduced World Peace & Cultural Foundation, a non-profit charity organization situated in Banani, Dhaka. With the CEO and Chairman, Mr. Mohammad Rana Ershad and Director, Dr. Rahman's guidance I was able to embark on a journey that was truly unforgettable.

Q: Can you please briefly explain what type of volunteer work you did throughout May and June?
A: In Banani, I began observing therapeutic sessions and interacting with children having neurocognitive deficits ranging from cerebral palsy, autism, etc. WPCF is the first and only organization that has established a haven for children with special needs in all of Bangladesh. When informing WPCF of my declared major of Neuroscience & Behavior and verifying my past experiences in the field of neuropsychiatric illnesses, I was welcomed to many meetings to provide valuable feedback. Even though this project in is in its embryonic stage, it is developing.

Outside of the classroom area, with WPCF, I finally was able travel to Khalishpur, Khulna to help organize and lead seminars particularly for the women in some of the poorest slums. My Khala beamed at my earnest desire to do something. "I'm not letting you go by yourself," she lovingly declared as she patted me on the back. Along with my Khala, Dr. Rahman put tremendous effort and time in fulfilling my dream to go and initiate transformation of a slum. His assistants, Mr. Shakiful Milon, Mr. Raqib, and Ms. Tamanna were always by our side as they publicized the news of such a seminar. Mothers and children learned basics of a healthy lifestyle. This was followed by a nutritional feeding program, where I was able to demonstrate the proper way of preparing and meals. The food was distributed to hundreds. Perhaps the most beneficial of services offered was the free Diabetic Health Screenings. News of this screening reached several hundred people where majority were all eager to eradicate this pervasive ailment. I was able to arrange for some materials to be brought from the States which was very beneficial for the community members.

Q: What was your most memorable experience?
A: After witnessing such desolate conditions, I was not able to eat for several weeks. In the US, people live like royalties of the past where on the other side of the world, there are innocent children who are dying because of neglect. These experiences facilitated an outlook on life I never imagined. It is different when you read about these people in newspapers or watch them on television instead of witnessing everything yourself—where I inhaled the same air and walked the same ground. I can never forget the twinkling eyes the children had upon seeing me. "Bedeshi Apa aisai! (The Foreign-Bangladeshi Big Sister is Here!)" they would yell to everyone in the slum at the top of their lungs. When ambushed by their love and inquisitiveness, I truly felt welcomed. The mothers and sisters would smile helplessly. One young lady, Asma, held my hand and thanked me profusely for spending my time and giving whatever service I could. "Apni aabar aiben tho, na? (You'll be coming again right?" she inquired. I just smiled at her. Some of the other women complained to me how many people came to see them and left and never came back. That's what hurt them the most. I tried to be honest as possible with all the people and told them I'd try my best and for them to keep me in their prayers and to never lose faith. And with that, I returned to America.

Q: What do you anticipate with this experience?
A: By having the fortune to interact with such amazing people and combating the many ailments of the residents of Bangladesh, I hope to inspire ever-lasting hope and a new-founded self esteem among the people. Many inhabitants view life to be nothing but a bleak challenge where each day brings them nothing but sorrow. I want to be a key player in their lives and try to alter this mentality by persuading them that they CAN do something about their dire situations. By having a more optimistic outlook on life, I strongly feel the adults can serve as examples for the youth to serve as leaders for their future generations. While there, I interacted with all types of people—both young and old. By touching the hearts of the youth, perhaps they will steer the community towards the beacon of light. Although it may require some time and effort, it certainly can be achieved. I view life in such a way that I must always be active in any form of worship, whether it is through service or learning—acts which both please God. In my book, any act that pleases God is considered a form of worship. For this reason, I hope to go back to Bangladesh and continue to assist the poor and needy; doing so will offer me that experience and serve as the next step toward an active career of service and learning.

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