{"id":12006,"date":"2025-06-29T12:52:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-29T06:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leedobd.org\/?page_id=12006"},"modified":"2026-02-15T13:05:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T07:05:20","slug":"events","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/leedobd.org\/?page_id=12006","title":{"rendered":"Events"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

A Celebration with Purpose: Winter Pitha Festival 2026<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Winter often brings people together through food, tradition, and shared moments. With that spirit, Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO)<\/span><\/span><\/strong> hosted the Winter Pitha Festival 2026 on 15 January 2026<\/strong> at its Peace Home premises in Dhaka. Held from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the event focused on creating meaningful engagement with underprivileged street children while celebrating seasonal culture.<\/p>

The children were not just attendees. They actively managed stalls offering traditional Bangladeshi pitha alongside cakes and waffles. This hands-on involvement allowed them to practice communication, teamwork, and small-scale entrepreneurship in a supportive environment. For many, it was an opportunity to apply skills gained through ongoing education and vocational programs.<\/p>

A key highlight was recognising progress. Children who completed vocational training under the Kamalapur Vocational Trade program received certificates and sewing machines, helping them take steps toward financial independence. Certificates were also awarded to those who completed ICT training, encouraging continued learning and digital inclusion.<\/p>

Guests at the event spoke about the importance of children\u2019s rights, protection, and access to education. Their participation helped strengthen awareness and encouraged broader community involvement in supporting disadvantaged children.<\/p>

Cultural performances by the children added warmth and energy to the festival. Visitors interacted with them directly, creating conversations that often lead to deeper understanding and future support.<\/p>

Funds raised during the festival are directed back into education, vocational training, and development initiatives for underprivileged children. So while the event celebrates winter traditions, its real impact lies in opportunity, confidence building, and creating pathways toward a more secure future.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\u00a0<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div>
\u00a0<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

National Dialogue on Upholding Child Rights in the 2026 National Elections<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Marking International Human Rights Day<\/strong>, the Local Education and Economic Development Organization (LEEDO)<\/strong> organized the National Dialogue on Upholding Child Rights in the 2026 National Elections<\/strong> on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, calling for strong and enforceable commitments to prevent the political exploitation of children and to protect street-connected and vulnerable children during the upcoming national election.<\/p>

The dialogue took place at the Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club, in collaboration with the Human Rights Development Centre (HRDC)<\/strong> and Dhaka Centre for Dialogue (DCD)<\/strong>. The event brought together political leaders, civil society actors, child rights advocates, academics, journalists, and young change-makers to address the heightened risks children face during election periods.<\/p>

LEEDO highlighted that in previous elections, children were frequently involved in political campaigns, rallies, and processions, often exposing them to violence, exploitation, and physical danger. Such practices directly violate the Children Act 2013<\/strong> and the National Child Protection Policy<\/strong>, while also undermining children\u2019s dignity and fundamental rights.<\/p>

During the dialogue, LEEDO and its partner organizations presented four key demands for inclusion in all political parties\u2019 election manifestos ahead of the 2026 national election. These demands include: a complete ban on children\u2019s participation in political programs, rallies, and campaign activities; the establishment of special safety and protection measures for street-connected and at-risk children during election periods; the formal inclusion of child rights protection commitments in party manifestos; and the signing of public pledges by political parties to ensure that children are not used for political purposes.<\/p>

Political leaders attending the dialogue expressed broad consensus that children must not be exposed to the risks of electoral politics. Several participants publicly committed to ensuring that children will not be used in election campaigns, meetings, or processions, and emphasized the importance of safeguarding children\u2019s rights and safety throughout the election period.<\/p>

In his concluding remarks, Farhad Hossain<\/strong>, Founder and Executive Director of LEEDO, noted that children\u2019s welfare is often highlighted before elections but neglected afterward. He emphasized that protecting children\u2019s rights is not optional but a legal, moral, and constitutional obligation. Real progress, he stated, requires translating commitments into concrete actions that ensure access to education, healthcare, safety, shelter, and a dignified life for every child.<\/p>

The dialogue also featured a powerful intervention by Mahfuza Sultana Munni<\/strong>, a fifth-grade student from a street-connected background, who shared her lived experience of being used in election-related activities. Her testimony underscored the urgent need for accountability and reform.<\/p>

The National Dialogue concluded with a collective call for a child-sensitive, humane, and responsible national election in 2026<\/strong>, where no child\u2019s rights are compromised in the name of politics. For details<\/a><\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Happy Hearts Day: A Joyful Journey of Learning, Discovery and Togetherness<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

<\/p>

On a bright Thursday morning, 30 October 2025, more than 300 children of LEEDO set out on a journey filled with excitement, curiosity and laughter. Their destination was <\/span>Mohammodi<\/span> Garden & <\/span>Agro<\/span> in <\/span>Dhamrai<\/span>, a place where nature, open fields and fresh air welcomed them with warmth. The day-long event, titled \u201c<\/span>Happy Hearts Day: A Day of Exploration and Learning with the Children of LEEDO<\/strong>,<\/span>\u201d was designed to give street-connected and disadvantaged children a slice of happiness, joy and fun that every child deserves.<\/span><\/p>

From the start, the atmosphere was full of life. Children from LEEDO\u2019s Peace Home, Transitional Shelter, Inclusive School and School Under the Sky gathered in their bright orange event T-shirts, creating a cheerful and vibrant sea of color. Eleven groups were formed for smooth coordination. Each group was guided by a team leader and a social mobilizer to ensure care and attention throughout the day.<\/span><\/p>

Before the fun activities began, Executive Director Farhad Hossain shared an inspiring and guiding message with the children. His words reminded them about safety, kindness and unity as they moved through their day of adventure. After this, the street educators led a lively physical training session with all children and the beneficiaries of School Under the Sky. Laughter mixed with movement and the warm-up built excitement for the hours ahead.<\/span><\/p>

The morning continued with exploration. Children enjoyed the lush garden surroundings, observed plants, touched soil, climbed small trees, played on swings and splashed happily in the swimming pool. The water play created moments of pure joy. Many of these children rarely get such carefree experiences in their everyday lives.<\/span><\/p>

As the sun climbed higher, games filled the field with excitement. The chocolate race and pillow passing quickly became favorites and the area echoed with cheers, giggles and friendly competition. Children supported one another, built confidence and celebrated every win. Staff and volunteers also joined the games and helped create a warm and family-like environment.<\/span><\/p>

The afternoon brought another highlight. A cultural program filled the stage with dances, songs, recitations and performances prepared by the children. Their confidence and creativity reflected the safe and supportive environment that LEEDO continues to build. A special moment arrived when our dear friend Mike Sherriff, Chairman of Friends of Street Children Bangladesh, performed the popular song \u201c<\/span>\u0986\u09ae\u09be\u09b0 \u09b9\u09be\u09dc \u0995\u09be\u09b2\u09be \u0995\u09b0\u09b2\u09be\u09ae \u09b0\u09c7,\u201d <\/span>which lifted the spirit of the entire venue.<\/span><\/p>

After the cultural program, the Executive Director and honored guests held a prize-giving ceremony. They presented awards to the winners of the chocolate race, pillow passing and the basketball game for specially challenged children. Each award reflected pride, achievement and togetherness.<\/span><\/p>

Distinguished guests, including LEEDO leadership, Trustee Board Members and media friends, spent meaningful time with the children. Their presence highlighted LEEDO\u2019s long-standing dedication to child protection and development.<\/span><\/p>

As the buses returned to Dhaka in the evening, the children carried home more than T-shirts or prizes. They carried memories filled with friendship, fun, learning and the rare joy of simply being children.<\/span><\/p>

“Happy Hearts Day<\/strong>” grew into more than an event. It became a celebration of hope, belonging and the simple happiness that every child deserves. It proved once again that when children are given love, opportunities and a safe space to dream, their hearts shine the brightest.<\/span><\/p>

<\/p>

<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Art, Photography Exhibition & Cultural Evening by Vulnerable Children and Survivors<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

On 30 September 2025,LEEDO Peace Home came alive with colors, creativity, and courage as the Young Journalist Changemaker Group hosted a remarkable Art, Photography, and Cultural Evening by Vulnerable Children and Survivors.<\/span><\/p>

The event celebrated the resilience of children who have faced hardship yet continue to dream, create, and inspire. The exhibition featured photographs taken by the young changemakers and paintings created by the children themselves<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>E<\/span>ach one reflecting their struggles, hopes, and aspirations for a safer world.<\/span><\/p>

During the event, children from LEEDO Peace Home presented their paintings, photographs, and newspaper clippings that illustrated the social realities and daily struggles of underprivileged children. They also performed cultural presentations and shared their personal stories. The welcome remarks were delivered by two members of the Young Journalist Changemaker Group, Hasan Ali <\/span>Musafir<\/span> and <\/span>Mahfuza<\/span> Sultana <\/span>Munni<\/span>. The closing speech was given by LEEDO\u2019s Executive Director, Mr. <\/span>Forhad<\/span> Hossain. Among others, Mr. <\/span>Mahabul<\/span> Haque, Executive Director of Human Rights Development Centre, and Mr. Jahangir Hossain, Project Director of Daffodil Child Home, also spoke on the occasion.<\/span><\/p>

Distinguished guests also included:<\/span><\/p>