One of the most important social duties of humans living in a society is to go above and beyond their usual duties and help the community around them. The students of BRAC University are fostered in an environment that encourages them to do more for the community from where they stand. On Thursday, 10th November 2016, Football Club of BRAC University undertook an initiative to help spread happiness among the children with special needs of this society. Inspired by the numerous achievements of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG, the founding father of the institution, the plan was to visit the Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (Bangladesh Disabled Foundation) and spend time with the gifted children there. The Football Club of BRAC University regularly conducts this event as part of their regular social responsibilities and it was no different in the Fall 2016 semester.
A contingent of 15 members of the Football Club of BRAC University (FCBU) members along with the Co-Advisor of the club Mr. Md. Fazla Mohiuddin started for the location in Mirpur at 10 am on the day. After reaching the foundation, the FCBU members carried the items they had brought to surprise the children into the building. After a brief chat with one of the officials there, the FCBU members found out that he was actually an alumnus of the institution. After this pleasant surprise, it was time for the day’s main event to begin.
There were more than 150 children, who were led into the auditorium and ushered to their seats. Meanwhile, the FCBU members began their preparations to conduct the day’s main event, which was an art competition for the children of the foundation. Art papers and color pencils were handed out to multiple groups of children. An FCBU member took charge of each group and helped them draw rural scenery. Soon the room was abuzz with excitement as the children concentrated on painting a beautiful picture.
Furthermore, the presence of colorful balloons all around made the atmosphere even more joyous. After a frantic drawing session, the paintings were collected and balloons were handed out to the delight of everyone involved.
Next, it was time to ignite some of the pent up energy of the eager children in the room. Four teams of boys and girls were formed and they were informed that an indoor football tournament was going to be arranged. The announcement was greeted with raucous applause from the children. Soon, they were busy chasing the ball and trying their best to outscore their rivals. After the end of the entertaining event, FCBU members spent quality time playing with a few children with special needs.
The day’s proceedings ended after everyone had cake and lined up to leave their handprints on sheets of paper as a reminder of the goodness that comes from unity. It was a special day for both the children and the club members as both groups made friends and shared some unforgettable memories with each other. The group returned to the university at 2 pm with some incredible memories and the joyful faces of the children etched into their minds.