・THE ASIA CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FUND

September 2023 Issue 18

ACEF

INDEX

ニュースレターSEPTEMBER 2023

＜Foreword＞ Introduction to ACEF Community: Council
Members Takako Takaishi and Hiromi Sekiguchi
Change in BDP Director (10/1〜）

Former BDP Director Albert Malakar Has Passed Away
ACEF Participated in the Seigakuin Fair on 9/23
ACEF Autumn Seminar was held!
ACEF Attended the Dignity Leadership Book Club
10/14 (Sat.): "Education for 'Bengali' Children Living in
Khulna"Announcement: 10/1(Sun) - Global Festa 2023
ACEF Youth: Crowdfunding Returns Shipment andCorrection
ICU Autumn Service-Learning Activities Begin!
Ferris Women's University: ACEF Bangladesh Study Tour
Report Session
Results of the GOEN Donation Illustration Contest 2022

▶︎URL https://acef.or.jp/mail_mag_2023september/※English version available on homepage!

Thank you for always reading ACEF's email
newsletter. We send this newsletter to ourmembers, donors, and everyone we have met
through events to share updates on ACEF's
activities in Japan and our collaborative projects
with partners in Bangladesh. Today, we have 12
articles to report and inform you about various
topics.

↑2023ACEF Autumn Seminar

Foreword

Introduction to ACEF Community

About the Handicraft Working Group（Takako Takaishi, Council Member）"We started as a Bazaar Committee with the desire to
spread awareness about children's education in
Bangladesh. Over time, we transformed into an awarenessraising group and eventually became the current Handicraft
Working Group. Handicrafts in Bangladesh have also
evolved over the years. Thanks to the improved skills of ourprevious staff and artisans in BDP's sewing group, we havebeen able to create beautiful embroidered Christmas cards,
elephant mascots, and pouches.
The support needed to enhance education has spreadthrough Japanese schools, friends' associations, churches,
and individuals. At times, there have been requests for
specific products. In the past, as the Bazaar Committee,：

ACEF Bangladesh Handicraft Catalogue URL
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZWl8y4fuZU3e1j22G0eviJ185sYtJGAW/view

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we used to meet every month to exchange ideas and put effort into developing new items.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we created cards with drawings by Bangladeshi children, anidea proposed by our interns, to send our thoughts to Bangladesh even when we couldn't meet inperson.
In the future, we plan to hold bazaars in many locations like before the pandemic. A newleader has joined BDP's sewing course. We hope to continue our group's activities for the joy oflearning among Bangladeshi children, working alongside the staff at the secretariat. We would
like to promote cards featuring drawings by Bangladeshi children at bazaars and other events.
Let Bangladesh be right next to you!"

On ACEF's Vision and Mission（Hiromi Sekiguchi, Council Member）
共"ACEF's vision and mission contain the word 'together' (' ' in Japanese) five times. When I
reflect on the workshops that have considered this vision and mission, I remember thatparticipants come from various backgrounds, ages, and have different levels of involvement with
ACEF. The very act of people from diverse backgrounds coming together to discuss these goals
embodies the spirit of 'together.'
One of the missions is to 'seek practices.' I believe that the process of discussion has provided
each participant with an opportunity to reevaluate ACEF's role in the face of the rapidly changing
society and needs in Bangladesh and the prolonged economic stagnation in Japan. As a result,
ACEF has been characterized as an organization that seeks and explores.
The word 'together' can evoke a sense of comfort but also feelings of uncertainty anddetermination. In such times, I hope that ACEF's vision and mission, which emphasize 'together'and 'seeking practices,' can be a source of encouragement. Through individuals who areencouraged in this way, I hope that the activities of ACEF and BDP will continue to be inspired."
Our Vision
ACEF aims to create a society where people can share in the joy of living together knowing thatthe dignity of each person will be respected.
Our Mission

To fulfill a calling to live insolidarity with others, ACEF
seeks to work in partnership withthe peoples of Asia.

ACEF aims to provide
educational opportunities for
growth for younger generations
so that they will be equipped tobuild a world where people ofdifferent cultures and ethnicities
can respect each other.

ACEF is committed toconnecting the peoples of Japanand Bangladesh by creating
spaces where each can learn
from each other and experiencemutual growth.

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Change in BDP Director Leadership!
Ambrose Gomes, who served at BDP for 32 years as the BDP Secretariat
Director, will retire at the end of September. Hemanta Corraya, the Deputy
Director of the Secretariat, will take over as the new Secretariat Director
starting from October. We have received a message from the retiring Ambrose,
which we would like to share:
All ACEF members
It was 2 nd January, 1992 Dr. Mina Malakar, the founder country Manager of World Concern invited me towork with Sunflower Education Project (SEP) under the umbrella of World Concern. World Concern started
working in the year 1992. We were just 3 staffs in the head office at the very beginning and our field was
Pubail, Gazipur and slum area in Mirpur, Dhaka.
There were few feeder schools and also few adult literacy classes. Rev. Y. Funato was the founder Directorof ACEF and Ms. Noriko san was the staff of ACEF. Gradually, we started working in Jamalpur, Barishal,
Boxiganj and Netrokona. We started class under a big tree or someone Bharanda (Balcony) then we build
small school house with bamboo and straw on a donated land by the community. After few years we built
tin shed building with the help of ACEF. As far my memory goes, we had 170 primary schools in six areas.
The local community helped a lot to operate the education program. In 1999, We established Basic
Development Partners (BDP) and got registration from NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh Government.
Now situation has been changed a lot. Bangladesh government allotted huge money to build primaryschools but still we have lack of secondary schools and the secondary education is bit expensive for thechildren from the villages.
I am very much happy that I could have chance to work with the children for many years. I think, I am lucky
enough to work with Dr. Malakar, Rev. Y. Funato, Ms. Noriko san, Ms. Mayada san, Mr. Oda san and finally
Ms. Satsuki san. They are all learned man and women and I really enjoyed working with them. I had chance
to meet many Japanese friend who visited Bangladesh as study tour members. It is very difficult to countthem all. We exchanged our ideas, culture, education system and many other things. It was not always
easy going. Sometime, we were in difficult situation but God always helped us. I realized that most of theJapanese students loved Bangladesh, Bangladeshi people and our culture and even after returning they
kept in touch with Bangladeshi people. They were very much friendly. Many Japanese students werechanged their lives after paid visit to Bangladesh. I had a very wonderful experiences working withJapanese people. Now overall situation of BDP is not good enough because of fund crisis but still BDP
should work hard and try to create fund from the local community. It is very much difficult job. The local
community are not yet mentally ready to do something for others but we hope gradually the situation will
improve.
Finally, I would like to give thanks to all ACEF members and also our Japanese friends who are
working hard for the Bangladeshi children. Personally, I must thank all of you who helped meduring the time while I was Director of BDP. Please pray for me and for my family members. I
shall remember all of you in my daily prayer. May God bless all of you.
Thanks.
Ambrose Gomes

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Albert Malakar, Former BDP Director, Has Passed Away
Albert Malakar, the former BDP Secretariat Director, who was
greatly admired by all and had been leading the BDP Secretariat
for a long time, passed away on September 17th. We offer ourheartfelt condolences. From ACEF, Chairman Dery Aratani senta message of condolence, and we would like to share thefollowing response we received from Mrs. Monica Malakar,
Albert's wife.
“Dear Rev. Aratani, ACEF board members, Rev. Funato, Noriko san, ACEF members
and friends, here I would specially like to mention Mr. and Mrs. Harada and Yu saanamong others, whom I also know, and everyone who is a friend of Albert in Japan- on
behalf of Albert- and myself, we convey our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each andevery one of you for your tribute to Albert for his life and work, with BDP and for yourcondolences on his very sudden passing on 27th September 2023.
Albert had a very long standing professional, and with many of you a personal relation
for many years. This enriched his life in many ways. Albert and I would like to express our
deep gratitude to all.
As you mentioned, Albert was truly committed to the welfare of the children of
Bangladesh. His compassion for the less fortunate in Bangladesh, his insight into theirplight, and his innovative and creative mind tried to incorporate practical measures to help
alleviate their suffering. Thank you all so much for supporting Albert and BDP in thisendeavour, for making this vision a reality with your kindness and generosity. The
Malakar family will always remember this.
With best wishes and prayers, sincerely,
Monica Malakar

Announcement: 10/1(Sun) - Global Festa 2023
Once again, ACEF will participate in the Global Festa Japan 2023, sponsored by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs! Under the theme "2023 ACEF Study Tour Report,"
we will have presenters, mainly high school and university students who haverecently returned from Bangladesh, reporting online. This time,
we are planning activities that aim not only to provide an updateon the current situation in Bangladesh but also to promoteinteraction among participants. Details about the exhibition dateand how to participate will be provided on the ACEF website
and the Global Festa website in due course. https://gfjapan2023.jp/

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2023 ACEF Autumn Seminar Held!
On September 24th (Sunday), at 3:00 PM, ACEF held its Autumn Seminar 2023 in a
hybrid format at the Friends' House Training Room. Approximately 60 people attended
both online and in-person, coming together to learn about ACEF's activities andcollaborative efforts with Bangladesh.
In the first part, Mr. Yuko Fukushima and Mr. Shohel
Rana shared their insights about Bangladesh, discussing
topics such as schools, education, religion, culture, andthe similarities and differences between Japan and
Bangladesh. Hearing stories from individuals who had
actually worked as teachers in primary andsecondary schools in Bangladesh provided afascinating and educational insight into the livesof the people in Bangladesh. Furthermore, inthe second part, participants who had recently
returned from ACEF's Summer Study Tour
shared what they had learned during their trip.

https://acef.or.jp/kokunai/study-tour/
Also, we are currently preparing therecorded broadcast to make it available to
you as a missed delivery on YouTube.
From junior high school students to adults,
we sincerely thank everyone who
participated and supported us! We also
appreciate your cooperation in theparticipant survey (see below). Thank you."5

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ACEF Attended the “Dignity Leadership” Book ClubOn September 12th, a 'Leading with Dignity'
book club was held at Oberlin University,and two staff members from ACEF joined
this event. Professor Jeffery Mensendiek,
an associate professor at the university,
also participated. Four presenters explained
the content of chapters 1 to 19 of 'Leadingwith Dignity' (written by Donna Hicks). Oneof the presenters was Shizuka Yanagii, amember of ACEF Youth. The event
deepened the understanding through group
work and discussions.

10/14 (Sun) "Education for 'Bengali' Children Living in
Khulna"Professor Michiko Ono, an ACEF board member and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Designfor Welfare Society at Toyo University, will speak about the lives of "Bengali" people in Karachi
and the educational challenges faced by their children.
Date: October 14th (Sat), 14:00- In-person and Online Participation
Venue: Nihon Kirisutokyo Kaikan, 4F, Rooms A & B
2-3-18 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (within the Waseda
Fukuin-en grounds)(8-minute walk from Waseda Station, Subway Exit 2)
Registration: https://forms.gle/yPxP4MzakCd5Pjf58
Organizer: The Japan-Bangladesh Society (Nihon Bangladesh Kyokai), Co-organized by ACEF

ACEF Participated in Seigakuin Fair!
On September 23rd (Saturday), ACEF had a booth at the Seigakuin Fair, organized by
Seigakuin Elementary School. We showcased Bangladeshi handicrafts at the event. On thatday, two students from the 2023 Study Tour team joined in wearing saris and lungis. Next toour booth, children from the Religious Committee
enthusiastically called for donations.
This year, we are delighted to see that many schools andchurches have resumed events, and we have received inquiries
about bazaars from various organizations. If your school orchurch is planning a bazaar, please consider ACEF's products.
Contact us at: bazaar@acef.or.jp

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Apology for Correction of Subsidy Amount and Return
Item Shipping in Crowdfunding
We sincerely thank you for your warm support for the crowdfunding project organized
by ACEF Youth, titled "Supporting Youth Walking Alongside Children in Bangladesh[Implementation of Local Tours and Internships]," which started on July 7th. We
would like to inform you that there was an error in the subsidy amount for study tour
participants, as previously communicated. We apologize for any confusion, and thecorrected details are as follows.

））

Incorrect Support Requested 25,000 yen/person
Correct Self payment amount 100,000 200,000→30,000 support,
210,000 more→45,000 yen support〜～

Additionally, there were cases of insufficient postage for the shipment of return items.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused. To those who covered the additional
postage, we sincerely appreciate your cooperation.We hope for your continued
interest in the activities of ACEF Youth. Thank you for your understanding andsupport.

ICU Autumn Service-Learning
Activities Begin!
In the autumn of 2023, four students fromInternational Christian University (ICU) havejoined ACEF for their service-learning
program. Among them, there is one freshman
and three sophomores who will be engaging
with ACEF's activities, including fundraisingand events, in collaboration with the ACEF
Secretariat until the end of November. We
kindly ask for your continued support!

ACEF YOUTH
Youth Activities Designated Donations
We kindly request your warm support for ACEF youth activities!
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Ferris Women's University: ACEF Bangladesh
Study Tour Report Session
At Ferris Women's University, Director Yanagihara and participants from the 2023
summer study tour, Mei Ishikawa and Rina Akune, will conduct a report session on
the study tour!
Meo Ishikawa is also a member of ACEF Youth.
Date: October 31, 2023 (Tuesday) 12:20 PM – 1:00 PM
Venue: Classroom in the CLA Building + Online (Hybrid)
Pre-registration: https://forms.gle/tfAUU1NnXZDpFyt3A
Please register through this form. We will send the Zoom URL by the day before theevent.
Hosted by: Ferris Women's University Volunteer Center
We hope you can join us!

Announcement: Results of the GOEN Donation
Illustration Contest 2022
Results of the illustration contest is announced, and the artwork "Our Donations
Around Us" by Reita Mishima (2nd grade) and Rikako (preschool) was honored with
the Silver Award. Renta and Ricako designated ACEF as the recipient organization
for their donation, and we are grateful to receive a generous sponsorship donation of
50,000 yen from GOEN.Although they didn't quite make it to the prize, we invite you
to view some particularly highly regarded artworks. Please take a moment toappreciate the many impressive creations! https://fujipongoen.wixsite.com/givingdecember2022/%E3%82%AE%E3%83%A3%E3%83%A9%
E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC

find us onsocialmedia!

follow us → https://linktr.ee/acef.ngo（Specified NPO）The Asia Christian Education Fund (ACEF)〒169-0051 Room 26, Nihon Kirisutokyou Kaikan, 2-3-18 Nishi Waseda, Shinjuku ku,
Tokyo tel 03-3208-1925 fax 03-6278-9180 Contact: Dedachi // Unsubscribe?
Please contact: public@acef.or.jp8