4.12.2014

Through the eyes of a woman

“It is better to give than to receive!”

Martina Havelková is an elegant lady one cannot get bored with. She has an interesting job, can speak several languages, likes travelling, loves airplanes, is interested in history, plays the piano, is a great driver, has a keen sense of humour and heart in the right place – she is simply a wonderful woman. But don’t mess with her; when she gets angry, nothing can stop her... :-) In the end of March, she decided to visit Bangladesh. 

Why did you decided to visit this country and what impressions did it make on you?

I like travelling; and when I visit a country, it is not enough for me to see its nature and sights, but I’m also interested in local people, their lives, habits, culture, traditions, and problems. When I decided to support a Bangladeshi child, I took it for granted that I would visit the country one day to find out how Bangladeshi people – and my child, of course – live. I wanted to know where she lives and goes to school, what her classmates and teachers are like, what gives joy to her and what troubles her. And what was my impression of Bangladesh? It’s no typical touristic country one can admire for its beautiful nature or wonderful sights; but still, I believe it’s one of the countries one simply cannot forget easily. It’s full of magic because of its inhabitants; everyone you meet, everyone around you is friendly and obviously full of joy of life, although the whole country is very poor. It’s magic because of its inexhaustible variety of colours local people, especially women, are used to wear. It’s magic because of the sun setting over the endless rice fields...

What’s the most intense experience you had there?

There were many intense experiences. We visited village and boarding schools where children waited for us with beaming eyes, or a Dhaka slum where people are able to survive in unimaginable conditions. But the most intense experience for me was meeting Agostina, of course. Before my journey, I knew her only from a picture; suddenly, she became a real, flesh-and-bone little girl. She lives with her grandparents in a small clay-house near her school. We spent a whole day together, she was willing to show me everything and I saw how happy she was I came to visit her. When I saw her like that, I realized my long journey wasn’t purposeless, and I will never forget our meeting.

Do you think the direct sponsorship of Bangladeshi children education is meaningful?

I think that the best way to help our world and life on our planet get better is definitely to support and propagate education. It is important poor and densely populated countries like Bangladesh had an educated generation of young people.

What message would you send to people who are thinking about becoming donors in the BanglaKids Program?

Don’t hesitate and do it! It’s an investment into a better future of a poor country. Even if you help only one child to get better education, your investment will be more than worth it. I can assure you from my experience that Bangladeshi children greatly appreciate such an opportunity. Moreover, educated young people who show respect to education will use their experience and knowledge, pass them on and spread them all around the country.

There are many possibilities how and whom to help. Why have you decided to support education of Bangladeshi children?

When I started thinking about something like that, I looked at many organizations and projects, of course. There were two things helping me to choose the BanglaKids Program. Firstly, the project is well-organized and really transparent, as you can directly sponsor particular children and receive their letters, pictures, and school reports. I also loved the possibility to visit my child, which is not common in projects like that. Secondly, I knew Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries of the world and local people really need help.

Is there anything you would like to wish our donors, children in Bangladesh and the BanglaKids team for the following year? And what is your new year’s wish?

I’d like to wish to all of them good health, a lot of strength, energy, enthusiasm and human happiness; to Bangladeshi children, I’d like to wish a better future; and as for me, I’ll be happy enough if I’m still healthy.

Do you have any deep idea you’d like to share with our readers before we say goodbye?

I believe it is better to give than to receive. Very often, a smallest gift will do. I’m also thinking of an ancient Greek poet Pindar, who said: “Every gift, though it be small, is in reality great if given with affection.”


More information about program Support BanglaKids

BanglaKids is a development program of ADRA Czech Republic.
Since 1999 we have provided education to 6,500 children in Bangladesh.
Together, we’re giving them an opportunity for a better future.

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