'Pride and Joy': Shamilka's book on underprivileged children
Cultural Correspondent
Arriving in Dhaka during the 2004 flood, Shamilka van der Zanden was mesmerised at the people's endurance. She made a resolution to "make a difference" for two reasons. Firstly, she was struck by the resilience, determination and the ability to keep up a positive attitude of the Bangladeshi people, no matter how adverse the circumstances. The film Happiest People on Earth by director Shaheen Dill-Riaz had left a deep impression on her. Secondly, education is a very important aspect of Shamilka's philosophy. "How do you explain to a underprivileged child that he/she cannot have access to a decent education?" she enquires. To this end, in July 2005 she volunteered to become the treasurer of a Dhaka school trying to meet the needs of children from local slums. The school, founded in 1990, accommodates about 150 children of various ages, taking classes in two shifts because of a paucity of space. The school runs entirely on donations (the board is actively involved in fundraising) and deserving candidates can avail of free education. Shamilka suffers from multiple sclerosis, but believes that being physically challenged only further motivates her into action. She took up photography under the tutelage of Mahmud of Map Photo Agency last November. "An idea burgeoned and following brainstorming, was distilled into a book. Mahmud gave me the courage to keep going", Shamilka credits her teacher with the crux of the project. During the course of five months, Shamilka visited the school intensively, taking a flurry of photos. The result is an endearing book launched earlier this month titled Pride and Joy. It contains marvellous photos of children; evidently they are happy as their smiles say it all. The book mirrors Shamilka's attitude towards Bangladeshi people. "My family and friends pitched in. It was such a delightful event; it brought much happiness to so many people," Shamilka beamed. The book is almost entirely funded by sponsors and all proceeds will go directly to the school. Copies are mainly destined for Western countries and the book has been marketed through Shamilka's personal contacts network. It is satisfying for Shamilka that, through fundraising efforts like this, the school can continue to flourish, particularly as her connection with the school has brought her so much contentment. A staggering 600 copies have been sold so far.
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Tiny tots break into suppressed laughter in a photograph by Shamilka |
