In the southwest of one of the world’s most densely populated nations Bangladesh, in the Khulna Division, sits the Satkhira District. I recently had the privilege of spending a few weeks in Soalia while on assignment for Photographers Without Borders, a small village in the area, photographing the people and places of a peaceful community. My life will forever be changed for the better, having had many engaging learning experiences.
My assignment was to help tell the story of Masud Parves Library. The Library, headed by Abu Sayed, was built in Sayed’s home village in conjunction with Bangladesh Educab, an international platform, and methodology that aims to facilitate the exchange of educational, cultural, and civic resources through libraries. The work they are doing together to better the lives of this community is heroic and inspiring.
Giving back to the people who give to you is your most honorable act. That was my biggest lesson from this assignment, and Sayed taught me.
I was initially scheduled to photograph this project in 2018, then again in 2020, just days before the Covid lockdown. Both trips were unfortunately postponed. Sayed and I have been in constant contact for nearly five years leading up to my visit, and after spending all this meaningful time with him, I genuinely consider him my brother.
Sayed and the Library’s earnest endeavor is to assist in achieving human resource development and supporting economic success by offering educational aid to underprivileged children, mainly through facilitating access to knowledge. Additionally, planning educational activities and training courses for children, farmers, and students aims to support their skill development to promote regional economic growth.
Masud Parves Library was founded in 2012, and construction began on May 20th. The structural foundation of the building is strong enough for future growth, which is the long-term goal. Ongoing donations are crucial to support future construction projects. These donations can provide the necessary resources, materials, and funding required to undertake new construction initiatives, further improving the community’s infrastructure and facilities. By contributing to these efforts, individuals can play a vital role in the community’s development and make a lasting impact. Even a fresh paint job could significantly enhance the building’s appearance and help it stand out in the vibrant community. In the meantime, they use the rooftop for afternoon learning activities for local children.
Sayed’s passion was evident from the moment we met; it never stopped throughout my entire time with him. He has a deep sense of personal fulfillment in his desire to engage in purposeful activities that align with his values and skills. He studied abroad in Italy and works in Urban Planning in one of Bangladesh’s largest cities, a great combination. It’s remarkable that despite not speaking the language, I could hear “The Library” in almost every conversation Sayed had with others. This highlights the significance of the Library in the community and the emphasis that Sayed places on his work. Sayed’s continuous genuine interest, enjoyment, and mastery of his work are evident in his conversations and interactions.
Sayed’s enthusiasm was apparent through his ability to gather community members, including elders, for thought-provoking discussions at a moment’s notice. By organizing these community meetings, Sayed created a platform for open dialogue where diverse perspectives can be shared and debated. Though occasionally heated, these conversations ultimately led to positive outcomes, fostering understanding, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving within the community. Sayed’s dedication to facilitating these meaningful exchanges demonstrates his commitment to promoting intellectual growth, community engagement, and harmony among its members.
Temperature and rainfall are just two examples of variables that can reflect manmade and natural variations in the climate. This area of Bangladesh experiences the impact of unpredictable and unprecedented climate change, which manifests in global weather patterns, natural disasters, and sectoral effects on food and water security, livelihood, and human health. These shifting trends pose challenges to the region, leading to uncertainties and potential consequences in various aspects of life. For this reason, the Library is a vital and essential part of Soalia, with many positive influences on the entire community, because they are engaged with climate change issues.
From the beginning, building a solid structure that could withstand natural disasters and shelter people in times of need was crucial for Sayed. The Library serves as a sanctuary center in distressing situations, such as during the region’s frequent storms and floods. Following numerous cyclones that tore through Bangladesh, thousands of people were trapped by water in the region. In low-lying coastal districts and offshore islands in the Bay of Bengal, crops were damaged by tidal surges and multiple agricultural areas and homes were destroyed by flooding. Masud Parves Library has provided assistance in times of need.
Because The Library not only fulfills the community’s educational needs but also plays a significant role in supporting families affected by local flooding in southwest Bangladesh, regular donations are made to provide building supplies and assistance to these families. The Library’s generosity has positively impacted several families, like those who faced devastation from Cyclone Bulbul in 2019. These kinds of families are enduring challenging circumstances, and the support from the Library has been instrumental in helping them navigate their complex lives.
In contrast, the heat can be quite extreme in this region of South Asia, particularly in June. The tropical climate adds to the vibrant atmosphere, with an abundance of colorful elements, especially in terms of the lush greenery. The combination of high temperatures and ample rainfall during the monsoon season creates ideal conditions for the growth of lush vegetation, resulting in a beautiful and vibrant natural landscape.
Being a photographer on assignment in Bangladesh is indeed an honor, as it allowed me to witness and capture the beauty of the people and their vibrant culture. One of the striking aspects is the colorful clothing worn by the women and children. Traditional garments and attire often feature various vivid colors and intricate patterns. These colorful outfits reflect the region’s cultural heritage and traditions and add a sense of liveliness to the portraits.
Education is essential and should be considered a fundamental right for all children, especially for those in rural areas. By empowering people, ending the cycle of poverty, and fostering social development, education provides people with the knowledge, abilities, and opportunities that can alter their lives and communities. For the community it serves, The Library is absolutely essential.
The professors at the local primary school expressed confidence in The Library’s ambition to introduce laptops to the children in the community. They explained how this initiative significantly prepares children for future studies, particularly in information technology (IT). By providing access to laptops and familiarizing the children with technology at an early age, The Library equips them with valuable skills and knowledge essential in their educational journey and believes that this early exposure will give them an advantage as they navigate an increasingly digital world.
On one of my favorite days in Soalia, the members of Masud Parves Library successfully organized a “Free Medical Camp & Blood Grouping Campaign.” Through selfless service, doctors provided medical consultations to around 200 people and conducted blood grouping for 60 individuals. Masudur Rahman, a final-year medical student, and social worker from Jashore Medical College, helped organize the medical camp with The Library.
Despite financial difficulties, Masudur pursued his dream of studying medicine and overcame various challenges. He comes from a less affluent family in the area, with his father being an elderly farmer, making it challenging to afford the expenses associated with medical school. He needed to join an expensive Medical Admission Preparatory Program to prepare for the medical entrance exam, which required him to leave his home and incur additional accommodation, food, and tuition fees. Masud Parves Library supported him by covering all his expenses at a critical point in his life. He deeply appreciates the emotional support he received from The Library during this challenging time.
The Library’s commitment to supporting financially challenged students and providing various services such as computer training, handwriting lessons, and study sessions highlights its dedication to empowering the community. The Library’s impact is particularly significant in areas with limited access to electricity, as it brings educational and developmental opportunities to those who need it most.
Masudur Rahman’s story exemplifies the purpose and success of The Library’s initiatives. His optimism for The Library’s future is a testament to its resilience and continued potential to make a positive difference, even with limited resources. By organizing the medical camp and collaborating with The Library, he aimed to improve the health of marginalized individuals in the village, furthering the mission of community support and empowerment and the transformative role libraries can play in uplifting individuals and their communities.
Sayed’s lesson about giving back to the people who support you is a valuable and honorable perspective. By recognizing and appreciating the contributions and support received from others, one can cultivate a sense of gratitude and acknowledge the interconnectedness of our lives. Giving back can take various forms, such as offering assistance, sharing knowledge, supporting initiatives, or simply showing kindness and appreciation. Engaging in acts of giving back benefits others and brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to our lives. It fosters a positive support cycle and creates a more compassionate world. Sayed’s teaching emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and our action’s profound impact on those around us.
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*****ABOUT RON*****
After spending the past 25 years founding and working with some of the best and busiest wedding photography studios in the U.S. and photographing over 500 weddings around the globe, Ron B. Wilson has reconnected with his true passions: travel, men’s street style, and fine-art photography. So starting “Art, Style, Flow”, a travel inspiration blog and online magazine featuring his photography, was a natural process and has been a work in progress all these years.
New York City and Miami Photographer Ron B. Wilson specializes in an award winning fashion based documentary style of photography. Ron was recently featured in Professional Photographer Magazine with an article about the {revisited} sessions that he created, and over the past few years he has been honored with many awards at the WPPI and PPA’s Imaging USA Conferences.
Ron’s primary goal is to tell stories with images and to bring out the very best in every detail of each subject he photographs. He is available for fashion, advertising, travel and editorial assignments.
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