BRAC UK appeals for help

by Sandra M Kabir

When it comes to taking part in rehabilitation work, BRAC has a history as old as Bangladesh’s independence. Right after Bangladesh’s independence BRAC began relief and rehabilitation operations in Sylhet in 1972 to help reconstruct the war-torn country.

Now, BRAC has 3,054 offices and 22 training centres around the country, including the coastal areas devastated by cyclone Sidr and the tidal wave.  BRAC has 42,693 full time staff and 53,205 school teachers working in different programmes and support services.

Cyclone Sidr has caused immeasurable destruction – several thousand people were killed, several thousands badly bruised and many missing, crops and livestock ruined, houses and trees uprooted. There is no food, no water. Women and children robbed off all their belongings are spending nights under the open sky enduring biting cold. BRAC is carrying out extensive relief operations in 2,537 villages in 60 worst affected upazilas across 11 districts in the southern Bangladesh. More than 2,500 BRAC staff and 13 medical teams are engaged in providing round-the-clock relief and medical care to the victims. Immediately after the cyclone, BRAC launched its emergency relief programme, initially allocating £500,000 from its own resources.

Till 21st November, 30,318 affected families have received relief packets from BRAC. BRAC plans to reach 150,000 families with relief by 30th November 2007. Each relief packet contains rice (10 kg), biscuits (2 packets), lentils (2 kg), potatoes (2 kg), salt (1 kg) and oil (250 mg).

BRAC has credibility with the communities with whom it works and is trusted by them. BRAC’s staffs are familiar with the people, know the local areas well and are experienced in dealing with natural disasters.  Its existing well-established infrastructure and transport/distribution systems ensure efficient and cost effective relief interventions. 

BRAC UK as a member of the BRAC family is raising funds for relief and rehabilitation work in Bangladesh.  Please come forward and stand beside the cyclone affected people with whatever you have.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Sandra M Kabir

E-mail: sandrak@bracuk.net

Mobile: 07949161240

Phone: 020 7922 7727.