On July 17-18, 2024, Shalom’s Nalitabari Project Office welcomed Mr. Martin, Program Officer at Kerk in Actie (KIA), Ms. Tina Baidya, Coordinator at KIA, and Shalom’s Acting Director, Mr. Senoy Sarkar. This visit marked Martin’s first inspection of Shalom’s work in Bangladesh, with a focus on the Poverty Reduction and Building Community Resilience (PRBCR) project in Nolitabari.
The visitors were greeted with traditional Garo dances, and the staff showcased key initiatives in community mobilization, skill development, and advocacy. Martin praised the collaboration with local government agencies, particularly highlighting the partnership with Begum Rokeya Training Center, which provided additional skill training opportunities.
During the visit, Martin interacted with self-help, adolescent, and children’s groups, expressing admiration for the well-organized activities, including savings programs. He suggested expanding the project to include boys’ groups and expressed optimism for continued collaboration with Shalom.
Like every year, this year as well throughout the lent period Revival Mass Gatherings of Christian Religion took place at different parishes. This year, out of six, it was arranged at five deaneries. For each revival mass gathering there was separate theme.