We are thankful to Kathryn B. Ward, “The Mother” of Nari Jibon Project

Translated by: Mohtarimun Nahar [Bipa]
Written by: Mayanur Akter [Maya]

We all are thankful to Kathryn B. Ward for creating this Nari Jibon Project. Through this Project, many women and girls of Bangladesh are being benefited. This project is different from other organizations and training centers. Here girls and women can learn in a safe environment. They can learn and develop their skills on many subjects. It has been possible only for Kathryn B. Ward. That is why I thank her from my heart.

The students and staffs of Nari Jibon are sharing their experiences, feelings to other countries through Nari Jibon Blog site. The girls can show their creativity through their writings. Maybe sometimes they tried to write, But they were worried that how will they publish their writings. They were confused. But now they can publish their writings through Nari Jibon Blog. So, students are getting inspiration to write. They always try to write something different than their own previous writings. In this way, their talent and creativities are increasing day by day. But all these are being possible only for the ‘Mother’ of Nari Jibon – Kathryn B. Ward. Otherwise it wouldn’t be possible for the girls and women in this under developed Country. We are also thankful to all the respectable donors.

Girls and women can get training on some subjects, those are given below:

• Bengali

• Tailoring

• English-Office Management classes:
o English-2 Class
o English-1.5 Class
o English- 1 Class
• Special English Spoken Practice Class

• Computer classes:
o Class schedule by appointment-interview
o Computer Basic & Office Program Classes
o Computer Hardware Maintenance and Troubleshooting
o Computer Graphics design classes by schedule on all day
o ICT Magazine
o Photography

Now I would like to write something about me. I am Bangladeshi. So, I am weak in English. When I met with Kathryn B. ward, I became an admirer of her. Then I could not understand her language. But she never underestimates me. She always tries to encourage us. She is simply the best to me. I miss her and really thankful to her. When she comes in Nari Jibon then our Nari Jibon and our mind fulfill with joy. We always wait for her. Madam all-time tries to do something for us. Sometimes I am worried about us that what will we do without her?

Madam all-time wants to develop the women’s skills. She just wants that the helpless women and girls of Bangladesh can do something as their own. As if they cannot be tortured by men. Another greatest part of her activities is to create a Cyber café for women and girls, I found in every cyber café where both men and women are allowed to browse. But our Nari Jibon’s Cybercafé is only allowed for all the girls and women. Outsider women and girls are also allowed here.

She is doing all these only for us then how we will remain without thanking her. We, the students and staffs of Nari Jibon Project are really grateful to her and to all the donors.


At last I would like to say that,

"Flower doesn’t bloom for its own’’
It blooms for all”

Kathryn Madam is trying her best to develop the Nari Jibon Project. She is really ‘The Mother’ of Nari Jibon. Our Dear Madam, Kathryn B. Ward’s Birthday is on 21st December. We wish her all the success in her life. I pray to Allah that, may she lives long in our mind.

I Miss You A Lot !!!

By Sherin Sultana


You are engaged with me in different ways. So.......

I miss you at the cool morning, exhausted noon and the quite night.
I miss you when my mind fills with pleasure.
I miss you when I wish to go out for a walk.
I miss you when Krishnochura blooms.
I miss you when I wish to make a rickshaw ride.
I miss you at the moon-lit-night when I desire to gossip.
I miss you when it rains. I miss you when I sit on soft grass.
I miss you when I look at the enormous sky.
I miss you when I ride on a rickshaw.
I miss you when I make a long journey by bus.
I miss you at Pohela Falgun, Pohela Boishakh and on Valentines Day.
I miss you if I fall in any bad situation.
In the bus, if anyone tries to sit close to me, then I miss you so much.
If I fall in any big problem but I can’t solve that and if I expect help from others then I miss you.
I miss you when I see a couple.
I miss you when I feel sad.
I miss you when I become sick.
I miss you when I feel lonely.
I miss you when I stay alone.
I miss you when I close my eyes.
I miss you also at the time of joys and sorrows.

I feel you so much so that I miss you in every time and every moment.
I want to know - do you feel me in the same way? I wish you feel me.

Bloggers profile (Students)

Sifat Binte Qaiyum

My name is Sifat Binte Qaiyum. I was born in Voirob, on 8th April, in1985. I have passed Secondary School Certificate in 2000 from Ali Ahmad Hhigh School and Higher Secondary Certificate in 2002 from Motijheel Model School and College. My father’s name is Md. Abdul Qaiyum. He is a businessman. My mother’s name is Lily Akter. She is a housewife. I have one brother and two younger sisters.

I like to read various kinds of books. ‘Memsaheb’ is my favorite book. That is written by Soyod Mustoba Ali. My hobby is Reading many kinds of journals and Bengali story books. I am very much interested in traveling. I like Journalism as a profession. After passing my honors I will do a course on Journalism to be a successful Journalist. I am also interested to open a Boutique shop.

The Nari Jibon is a nice organization, which works with the women to develop their alternative skills and show them the way of light in their life. I am very much glad to be a part of this organization. I am a student of English1.5 here in Nari Jibon Project.

Busharat Binte Qaiyum (Lamia)









My name is Busharat Binte Qaiyum (Lamia). I was born on 31st August, 1986 in Dhaka. My family numbers are father, mother, three sisters and one brother. I passed the Secondary School Certificate examination from Ali Ahmad High School in 2001 and Higher Secondary Certificate examination from Dhaka City College in 2003. Now I am doing honors in Accounting 3rd year from Shidheshawry Girls’ College.

My hobby is reading. I like to read many kinds of novels. My favorite book is ‘Uttradhikar’ written by Samresh Muzumder and favorite place is Cox’s Bazaar. In future I want to do a job in a Bank or in any private company. I am a student of Nari Jibon in Computer and English Section. I was informed about Nari Jibon from one of my friends. It is a nice organization for the women and girls. After coming at Nari Jibon, I knew about blog site for the first time. The most important part of this organization is Nari Jibon Cyber café.

I am very happy to get opportunity to learn here. Now I am very much confident on my English and computer skills.

Bloggers profile (Students)

Laily Jahan Meghla

"I am Laily Jahan Meghla. I was born on 20th November in 1986, in Dhaka. I passed my childhood in Dhaka. I passed the Secondary School Certificate examination from South Bonosri Model High School in 2001 and Higher Secondary Certificate from Shiddheswari Girls College in 2003. Now I am doing honors on accounting 3rd year in Shiddheswari Girls College.

My hobby is gardening, reading books and novels, watching cricket Match. My favorite place is Dhaka Carjon Hall. My favorite writer is Shomoresh Mojumdar. I want to do job in a bank. Or I want to be a news reporter. I was informed about Nari Jibon from my friend. Now I am a student of English and computer in Nari Jibon Project.

Blog is a new topic for me. I think it is a very interesting subject. As a new writer I am enjoying a lot and I can show my creativity by writing on my feelings, culture, experiences etc. Here I also like the Nari Cyber café. I am very happy to learn here."



Ayesha Parveen

"My name is Ayesha Parveen. I was born on 5th December in 1983, in Dhaka. I have completed Secondary School Certificate in 1999 from Kadamtala High School under Dhaka Board and Higher Secondary Certificate in 2001 from Ispahani Girls College under Dhaka Board. Now I am doing my Honors in Sociology at Eden Mohila College.

My father worked in SW Shipping Ltd. My mother is a house wife. I have one sister and one brother. My sister is a house wife and brother is a student of English department in Stamford University. My favorite place is Cox’s Bazaar Sea Beach. My hobby is gossiping with my friends and reading novels.

My future plan is to go to abroad for getting higher education and to do a job in a Multinational Company. The Nari Jibon is a good organization for women. I am a student of English1.5 here in Nari Jibon Project. "

Happy Birthday to Kathryn B Ward

By Taslima Akter

21st December, this day is very especial for me because that day is the birthday of Dr. Kathryn B Ward, who is my favorite person. Dr. Ward is a generous person who is founder of the Nari Jibon. She is working very hard to develop the Bangladeshi women. For her warm inspiration when I lost my self-esteemed, I make my mind again to go forward. We are praying in her birthday- may she live long. In 2005 we were celebrating her birthday in Bangladesh. I remember that day again and again. I wish her all the best in her birthday. We all (Nari Jibon student & staff) are missing her in her birthday……….

Shuvo Janmodin (Happy Birthday) to you from our all Nari Jibon staff and students.

Happy Birthday to Katie Zaman

By Taslima Akter

Katie Zaman is the Fulbright fellow and co-founder of Nari Jibon. Katie Zaman is one of my favorite persons. I like her sweet smiling!! I remember her warm receive, suggestion which inspire me for working hard. 20th December is the birthday of Katie Zaman who is working hard for establishment of Nari Jibon. My best wish for her in her birthday. I am praying for her, she can success every step in her life.

Happy birthday to you from all Nari Jibon people.

If I were A Prime Minister of Bangladesh!!!

By: Ruma Akter

Human life is full of dreams. Most of the time, it travels in the dream land. But all the dreams do not come true. I have a dream to be A Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Though it is an impossible wish, but I really wish that. If it would happen in my life, I would like to use all the opportunities to develop our country.

Our country is an undeveloped country. It is surrounded by poverty, terrorism and nepotism etc. If I were the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, I would make the country as self-reliant. I would offer a terrorism and nepotism free society for the people of Bangladesh. I would try to turn the wheel of fate of the poverty-stricken people.

Education is the precondition of development. If I were the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, I would make the education compulsory for all.

Bangladesh belongs as undeveloped country. Most of the people live under the poverty line. Unemployment is also a great problem in our country. For the alleviation of unemployment problem and poverty, I would take some effective steps, such as-- initiative of industrializations, agricultural development etc. To develop agriculture I would try to use scientific methods in agricultural sector. Thus I would help to raise the economical side of the country.

I would like to change my country by investing money in agriculture, developing the technical education, solving the basic requirements of life and increasing the rights of women.

I would try to do everything to make the people happy and prosperous of my country. That’s why I wish -- if I were A Prime Minister!!!

Bloggers profile (Students)

Afrin Afroz Anny

"My name is Anny. my birth place is Dhaka. my birthday is on 21st march, 1990. My father is a businessman and my mother is a housewife. I have two younger brothers. i have completed secondary school certificate examination in 2005 and higher secondary certificate examination in 2007. My native village is my favorite place. Because what i see in my native village, i can’t see that in the city life. Because there is no sound pollution, air pollution, traffic jam etc. So I like it very much. My favorite hobby is watching t.v. and listening music.

My future plane is to be independent in my life and I am interested to help my patents. I want to save money for my future. Now I am taking courses on English and computer at Nari Jibon. at first I didn’t know about Nari Jibon. but now I knew about this."

Surma Akter

"My full name is Surma Akter. I was born in Noakhali in 1986. I passed my childhood in Noakhali. Now I live in Dhaka. My birthday is on 1st July. We have eight family members in our family. We are six sisters and one brother. My mother is a house wife. I have passed secondary school certificate examination in 2002 from Alexander high school and higher secondary certificate examination in 2005 from Ahsono Abdurrobe Government College. At present I am a student of degree first year. My favorite movie is ‘Kirtton Khola’. My hobby is reading books. I like to read story books of Robidronath tagor. I want to be a good teacher in future.

Nari Jibon is a very good organization. I was informed about Nari Jibon from one of my friends Neshu. At first, i was a student of English -1, now i am a student of English - 2. I think Nari Jibon is a nice organization for women."

Bloggers profile (Students)

Hasina Akter

"Hello, I am Hasina Akter. I was born in Noakhali. I come from Nobinbag. My father’s name is Late Siddequr Rahman, and he was a government employer. My mother’s name is Salma Akter. She is a house wife. I have three brothers.

I am a candidate of Fazil Examination and after finishing this I will do a diploma course in Homeopathy medicine and surgery. My favorite place is my native village. My hobby is traveling. My favorite movie is ‘Matir Moyna’. I want to be a doctor in future; I want to take care to the helpless people of Bangladesh. Beside this I want to develop my skills in English and computer. I heard about Nari Jibon from a Graphic student, Shanta.

At first I didn’t know about the blog. Now I know about this. After coming here I knew about many things. Now I am trying to write something on blog."

Aforza Akter

"My name is Aforza Akter. I was born in Mymenshing in 1987. My Birthday is on 10th June. I passed my childhood at Fulbaria Thana. I have six family members in my family. My elder brother is a school teacher and my elder sister is a primary school teacher. My second brother is a Moulana and younger brother is a police. I am a student of Honors in Siddeshwari Degree College and University in Dhaka. I am married. My husband is an engineer. I obtained my Secondary School Certificate from “Assim Girls High School” in 2002 and Higher Secondary Certificate from “Akter Sultana Mohila College” in 2004.

My favorite hobby is reading any kinds of books. I want to be a good teacher. I come to Nari Jibon to develop my skills by taking English and computer courses. Blog is a new topic for me. We can write anything on our Bangladeshi culture and people though this blog. I am very glad to be a part of this blog site."

How long the women will suffer!

By: Sherin Sultana

We are seeing for many days about some activities on violence against women. But did it remove yet? Now I would like to write some lines on my friend Muna who had escaped from her home with his boy friend, Shajal.

Recently Muna has passed Higher Secondary Certificate. Her mind was full with colorful dreams. After finishing graduation Shajal was doing a job. Muna had no idea that the color of love can be changed. All of her loves and dreams were proved false within some days of her marriage.

Muna realized that Shajal did not love her. He just loved the wealth and money of her family and to get that entire wealth he married her. Shajal was forcing her for 2 lac taka, ornaments and furniture. Though Muna got married against her family and they didn’t accept her marriage it was not possible to bring all these from her family and that’s why Muna couldn’t make lasting for a long time in her father in law’s house.

In this large world there was no place where she could go, she was feeling very helpless and alone. Though she left her family and got married against her family, so she had no chance to go there. For the sake of life at last Muna came to Dhaka and within some days she got a job in a private clinic as a nurse. The days were going on but Shajal didn’t take any news of her. When Shajal got the news that Muna was doing a job he came to her, but not for the shake of love. He came to take money from Muna and from then he came regularly.

In this way after passing two years Shajal became crazy to take Muna back. There is no need to think that Shajal has changed and became a good man. But he didn’t get changed. Actually he tried to use a new technique to take money. Though they live together in a same house but mentally they live in a different world. They don’t share anything of their life. Muna didn’t understand about Shajal’s technique.

The great mistake of Muna was to be disobedient with her family. So now she is suffering everything silently. Her every day is passing with this hope that, one day Shajal will realize his mistakes.

Not only in uneducated, half educated or lower class family; the educated women like Muna are also oppressed by high educated person like Shajal. Only the processes of harassments are changed. Now a day the number of physical persecution is getting low but mental and economical persecution are being added as violence.

If any one is born as woman she must have suffer any type of harassments. But how long it will be continued? The women should understand that they should fight to remove the violence against them. At first they need to change their mentality to tolerate every torture and they should take care of themselves. I think then they will be able to make their own fields.

When Nari Jibon acts as an alternative skill provider

Written by M.G. Rabbany ‘Sujan’

Population is increasing rapidly in Bangladesh day by day and the same time the percentage of educated persons is also increasing. Almost at the same time women’s education is also increasing from previous levels. But Bangladesh government and economy are failing to create sufficient work for these educated populations. These educated and unemployed populations are facing heavy competition to get a job and are struggling with many difficulties. These unemployed and disappointed educated people are also suffering from cheater & bogus employment authorities and corrupted officials even more.

In this situation educated women are also struggling to get a job. Even now women have many obstacles to get a job in our country as they can not join every kind of job. Scarcity of skill is also another problem to get a job for Bangladeshi women. Although the percentage of educated women is increasing, some are not interested to take skills for developing their career and getting jobs. They complete only academic study, but they (also their guardians) are not interested to take skills that can make them competitive in this job market.

Anyway, Nari Jibon provides women with alternative skills according to the demand of the students. Nari Jibon provides Bangla, English language skills, computer and Tailoring skills beside other packages skills (like- Business Management, Photography, Blog etc. with other awareness programs) with internship and more practice time at women cyber café. In the mean time many students already have taken skills from Nari Jibon organization.

The good news is that, recently Bangladesh Election Commission appointed some manpower temporary (for preparing voter and national ID card project). We have learned that some more students were offered jobs. We have informed that already Jesmin ara Amzad, Kamrun nahar, Rozy Alam and Zannat ara Amzad have joined for doing that job. They will be able to work for 3 months at their own area office and 3 months another area office but inside Dhaka if they agreed. They will get 5 taka per voter sheet and their post’s name is computer operator. Kamrun nahar joined as supervisor of a group of computer operators and Rozy Alom has joined as data collector. These students have taken English and computer skills and they are running students & bloggers of Nari Jibon organization still now.

We have also learned that some more students got offer to join the jobs such as Sathi, Moyna, Sultana Dilroba, Suchitra, Sultana begum etc but they did not join the job due to some problems like their guardians were not agreed to work after the evening and some of their personal causes.

Students who have joined to this post also faced almost same problems but they have overcome their problems to make agreement for work with their guardians.

I wish to congratulate these students and pray for them to go ahead through the Blog site of Nari Jibon. Also we (staff & students) are grateful to all the DONORS.

The introductions are given below of those students who have joined to the Election Commission’s recent project:

Jesmin-ara-amzad
















Jesmin ara Amjad (id# 713), blogger of Nari Jibon and student of English-2 and Computer Section. She is reading in class-15 at Khilgoan Model College University.


Zannat-ara-amzad













Zannat ara Amzad (ID# 712) blogger of Nari Jibon blog site and student of English-2, Computer Section. She has completed H.S.C. examination last year and she is trying to take admission in any university.


Kamrun-nahar Pushpo















Kamrun nahar Pushpo (ID# 715), She is new blogger of Nari Jibon blog site and student of English-2 and Computer Section. She is reading in class-15 at Khilgoan Model College University.


Rozy Alom












Rozy Alom (ID# 555), She is the student of English-2 and Computer Section of Nari Jibon. She has joined as data collector. She is also working in a kinder garden school as a teacher.


Anjuman-ara-ali
















When I was writing this article, another Nari Jibon’s graduate (English and Computer) student named Anjuman-ara-ali (ID# 451 ) came to visit our office and informed that last month she joined in a Multinational Company named Flora Limited as a Sales Executive where she will get 5500 taka per month as her salary.

Various Uses of Flowers

By Salma Siddika Mumu

I think a flower is a symbol of beauty. Its sweet and fresh smell attracts to all and keeps our mind fresh. There is hardly any person can be found who does not love flowers.

We all like flowers. Though most of the people of our country are very poor, they cannot buy flowers. Only a particular level of people can buy flowers.

At past we preferred books, showpieces, dresses, ornaments as gift items. Now a day people’s mentalities are changing day by day in our country. Beside those gift items, people give flowers on any occasions. People like to give bouquet to their favorite person. People also go to meet any patient with bouquet and wish them to get well soon.

Now many people are doing business on flowers. Today solvent people are buying flowers. People like to decorate their houses by flowers on any occasions. At present exhibitions and fairs on flowers are also becoming popular day-by-day. Man wants to change their condition by working. The business of flower helps them to solve unemployment problem and it contributes much in the economy of the country.

Flowers are using as gift items and to decorate places on various occasions, program, seminars etc. This will help to encourage the flower cultivators to cultivate flowers more and more. Therefore, a new business may emerge in our country.

Monowara Begum who faced domestic violence after marriage

By Taslima Akter

A Street Hawker in Bangladesh

By Tahmina Akter

A street hawker is a common figure in Bangladesh. Now a day he is seen to sell goods as moving shops. He sells things of common use or fancy items. He carries his goods in a bag or in a basket. He sometimes carries his moving shop on his bicycle or on a pushing car. He walks along in the roads by calling the names of his articles by singing a song or by ringing a bell. His peculiar calls draw the attention of children, women, folk and simple persons.

A hawker sells children & women’s favorite things, such as: toys, dolls, biscuits, cakes, ice-cream, sweet meats, fruits etc. He sometimes sells common necessary things, such as: clothes, cookeries, vegetables, newspapers, magazines and many other necessary and fancy articles. A street hawker is a man of jolly nature. He sometimes sings comic songs or plays flute or shows some magic in order to get the attention of people around him. Then he approaches with a smiling face and he declares his items are the best from others. By his pleasant words he convinces the people and able to sell his goods at a high rate. He some times deceives his customers both in kind and quality. Maybe they do this for their poverty.

A street hawker is highly welcomed by the children. He is a favorite person to them. Sometimes he deceives with the children, women and simple people. So some people do not like him.

An Anecdote of my friend, Mitu

By Sherin Sultana

Mitu was very favorite and close friend of mine. She was so different among our friends. There are some people who can attract others very easily. Mitu was like them, full of joy and lovely. She always made fun and we became impressed on her. Beside academic knowledge she had many extra qualities. In Orientation program, Pahela Baishakh, Pahela Falgun or any other cultural occasion she was ready to participate without feeling any hesitation.

Though she was so enjoyable but she was very alone in her own world. She was from a broken family. Some days she stayed with her mother and some days with her father. I noticed that she had no eagerness to back home, when we had to reach before the fixed time. She always wanted to remain busy on other purposes and returned home when she wished. Financially Mitu was solvent; she got everything what ever she wanted either from her mother or from her father. The thing was that, she never faced any type of guidance from her family and so she was practiced a little uncontrolled life.

The life was going on like this way but when the most favorite person of her life refused her, she can’t control her. To forget her sorrows, she selected another type of life. Everyday she made new relations with new persons. She was always busy to talk to them whole day and night on phone. Now her life is going on like this way. When she needed supports and guidance from her family, at that time for the lack of proper guidance she is advancing an uncertain life.

Mitu’s younger sister Nitu was very polite and soft minded. It seemed to me that, in this family Nitu was only person upon whom the family could depend and yet it was going on with her supports. But at present she is also acquiring the nature of Mitu. She changes her boy friends one after another. Her demand is only money. Now her relation with her family locates only for money.

I saw how a person can be changed for the lacking of love, affection and proper guidance. But when I saw to be change the nearest parson in front of my sight then I couldn’t keep silent. I feel very sad.

We always learned to hate the wicked persons but never tried to know the cause of their wickedness. We should show the right way to them. Otherwise the next generation won’t be able to safe.

I know if I try I won’t be able to become like Mitu or I won’t be able to join her broken family. I only can be a calm witness of this reality.