Bangladesh through Dutch eyes

Creativity in action--encouraging the underprivileged; Marjan Van Lier (inset) Photo: Amirul Rajiv

In 2006, a management consultant of a Dutch microcredit firm, visited Bangladesh to attend a conference. The visitor, Marjan Van Lier, fell in love with Bangladesh because of its hospitable people. Simultaneously she witnessed the plight of homeless people, especially the children. This realisation propelled her into action.
Back in the Nether-lands she managed to rope in several artistes of renowned Dutch dance organisation Netherlands Dans Theater (NDT) to work for the well being of these talented yet underprivileged children. In cooperation with local non-government organisation Padakkhep and Hotel Sheraton, NDT ran a two-year ballet dance programme with 70 underprivileged children. The project ended with a gala performance at Hotel Sheraton in January last year.
Recently, 56-year-old Marjan visited Bangladesh along with two NDT artistes, Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon. Her visit was to gauge the progress of the children. "If you compose something from the deepest corner of your heart, then you surely want to look back at it. My recent visit is to witness the changes in the lives of these children," said Marjan.
Her recent visit also includes some upcoming programmes for the homeless children. In cooperation with Hotel Sheraton, Marjan arranged a three-day workshop at Hotel Sheraton from December 30 to January 1. Around 20 students, mostly from upper-middle class families, attended the workshop.
"The objective of the workshop is to raise awareness about the lives of underprivileged children and sensitise people on such sensitive social issues," said Farhan Kabir, who attended the workshop.
The 20 students will work with Marjan on her upcoming projects. She informed that if everything goes all right then the programmes would begin in April. Marjan will emphasise on painting and photography this time.
During her previous visits, Marjan found some talents among the homeless children who are interested in painting. Marjan said, "During my previous visit, I found some children were really creative in photography and painting but they were neglected. I thought if they get a good grounding in theses areas it will help them grow up."
"I found some children aged between six and eight, who live by grinding stones, but are very much talented," she added.
Marjan loves Bangladesh. At the same time social inequities make her sorry. She thinks only the younger generation can rebuild a proper Bangladesh.
"I love Bangladesh because of its soft-hearted people. I love its people because of its beautiful language. We visited a slum the other day to watch the children. But the places were so filthy that Paul and Sol wanted to paint the place."
"I think only the younger generation can build on the dream of Bangladesh. That is why I want to work with them," concluded Marjan.