‘Fight Your Fears’: Inspires Dhaka's vulnerable children with Art, resilience, and environmental awareness

In a collaborative effort to empower underprivileged children, Leedo, Meye, Chitra Karkhana, and GenLab hosted the inspiring event "Fight Your Fears" on October 29, 2024, at LEEDO Peace Home.

This program blended creativity, environmental consciousness, and emotional resilience to create a transformative experience for children living in the orphanage. Meye, Chitra Karkhana and GenLab's strong commitment to youth empowerment and environmental advocacy helped bring this impactful initiative to life, leaving a lasting mark on each young participant, reads a press release. 

The program had 4 phases-

An immersive journey through storytelling and sustainability

The event opened with a captivating theatrical performance of Shakchunni'r Golpo, a folk tale from Thakumar Jhuli, which brought forward themes of climate resilience, coexistence, and societal values. The children were drawn into a narrative that subtly encouraged them to reflect on social taboos and environmental concerns, empowering them to question the status quo and think critically about the world around them.

Environment awareness fashion show: Upcycling with a purpose

One of the highlights of the event was an Environment Awareness Fashion Show where children and models alike took to the runway, showcasing costumes entirely crafted from upcycled plastic waste. This imaginative display of sustainable fashion demonstrated the creative potential of recycling, with outfits symbolizing the critical need for plastic reduction to protect our environment. This segment was a unique opportunity for children to engage with sustainability in a creative, hands-on manner, leaving them with a memorable message about the importance of upcycling.

Inspiring talk and interactive art workshop

The event continued with a powerful talk session led by renowned Bangladeshi artists, including Morshed Mishu, Ishrat Binte Rouf, Taiara Farhana Tareque, and Raiyaan Mahbub, who shared personal stories of facing fears through art and creativity. Ms. Ishrat, the Program Lead at GenLab, guided an interactive workshop titled "Painting with Polythene." In this session, children learned how to make beautiful rose patterns on canvas by blowing up polythene bags and using them creatively with colors.

This exercise provided not only a fun and tactile way to repurpose plastic but also a meaningful lesson on finding beauty in everyday materials that are often discarded.

Trick-and-treat segment brings extra joy

The event concluded with a heartwarming Trick-and-Treat segment where there were goodies for each child from the partners of the event, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement. Personally handing out toys and clothing to each child, calling them by name to fostered a warm and empowering moment of personal connection. With hopes of raising sufficient funds, organizers also aimed to support LEEDO Peace Home with essential groceries for an entire month.

A message of commitment and hope

Ratul Dev, GenLab's Executive Director shared heartfelt words on the occasion: "GenLab is honored to support 'Fight Your Fears,' an initiative that empowers young people to face challenges while fostering community care and environmental stewardship. By nurturing resilience and compassion, we aim to inspire a generation ready to confront climate change and build a sustainable future."

Forhad Hossain, Founder & Executive Director of LEEDO (Human Rights Activist) said " "I strongly believe that these initiatives will reduce mental trauma in all vulnerable children".
Sayed Maisha, Founder of Meye said " Meye is who spreads gifts and we are happy to bring smiles to the faces of these children"

Through "Fight Your Fears," Meye, Chitra Karkhana, and GenLab delivered a memorable experience for the children of LEEDO Peace Home, intertwining joy, awareness, and creativity in a way that celebrated resilience and fostered a sense of hope for the future.