October 2023・Issue 19

FOUNDING
ANNIVERSARY
SPECIAL!
10/28

THE ASIA CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FUND

ACEFNews letter
OCTOBER 2023

INDEX

<Foreword> Makoto Kawami, BDP Director Hemanta
Korraya, Kazuko Takasaki
About "Legacy Donation and Inheritance Donation"
ACEF: ICU Service Learning Fundraising on GoFundMe
October 27th is Reading Day! Book report on"International Cooperation in the SDGs Era"
ACEF will participate in the 11/3 Minami Mitaka Church
Bazaar!
Rerun recording of ACEF 2023 Autumn Seminar
ACEF Youth: 6th meeting was held
Participating in the event organized by the JapanBangladesh Society, 'Education for Children of 'Bengali'
Living in Karachi.'"▶︎URL https://acef.or.jp/mail_mag_2023october/※English version available on homepage!

↑2023 ACEF Bangladesh Study TourForeword

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 ourcolla﻿borative projects with partners inBangladesh. Today, we have 8 articles toreport and inform you about various topics.

Introduction to ACEF community"Crisis is the parent of opportunity."
Former Vice Chairman and Finance Committee Chairperson, Makoto Kawami“In 2020, ACEF celebrated its 30th anniversary, establishing a vision and mission and now
embarking on a fresh journey. However, reaching this point was not an easy path. Having
been involved with the financial committee established in 2011 for 12 years, I keenly realize
the continuous challenges, especially in financial aspects. However, within those challenges,
I've learned that crisis is often the parent of opportunity.
Entering the latter half of the 2000s, ACEF's income plateaued, while the need for funds tomeet the requirements of BDP schools continued to rise. In the 2010s, various factors madethe financial situation even more challenging, necessitating reductions in both fund transfers
and administrative personnel. A critical situation loomed over the survival of the ACEF
movement.
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Around 2020, breakthroughs began to emerge. BDP initiated attempts at self-sustaining
funding through microfinance, starting with crowdfunding. Additionally, new activities,
administrative support by students through service learning and internships (arising amid
the COVID situation), and online outsourcing and pro bono work injected new life into thesecretariat. Enduring the harsh reality and confronting it head-on, the founding goals of"providing schools" and "nurturing young people with a mission in Asia" deepened further.
This led to a new expansion into "collaborative work" and "co-education" based on thestance of individuals with dignity.
Currently, the income level has not increased significantly since the 2010s, posing asignificant challenge. However, examining the sources of income, crowdfunding has
emerged as a new contributor, and grants have also become substantial. The ACEF
movement is evolving into a force contributing to a broader "symbiotic society." Without
fearing the "pain of childbirth," I hope to move forward with optimism.”“Living Together, ACEF and me” Kazuko Takasaki"It has been more than 30 years since I participated in the second study tour. When Mr.
Funato approached me, it was around the time my second son entered a boarding school,and I was considering returning to work. Without knowing much, I thought, 'Maybe I should
go for about a week since it should be okay to leave home.' Looking back, I wonder if it
was a good thing not knowing much at that time.
The scene when I landed in Dhaka was a sight of confusion and surprise. I couldn't figureout where I was, what was happening, with crowds of people and beggars overflowing. It
was a moment of speechless astonishment.
Being invited mainly and meeting neighbors in Dhaka, I, as a humble individual, was given
the opportunity to think about what we could do together. This has become the starting
point of my involvement with ACEF activities. Since then, I have visited Dhaka many times
as an ST member and for work, accumulating numerous encounters and experiences. The
second study tour has always been the place for reflection and return.
ACEF has also undergone significant changes. I sincerely hope that young people will
actively seek new discoveries and experiences."
Our Vision
ACEF aims to create a society where people can share in the joy of living together knowing that the dignity of each person will be respected.
Our Mission

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

ACEF aims to provide educational opportunities forgrowth for younger generations so that they will beequipped to build a world where people of different
cultures and ethnicities can respect each other.

ACEF is committed to connecting the peoples ofJapan and Bangladesh by creating spaces where
each can learn from each other and experiencemutual growth.

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New BDP Director
Message from Mr. Hemanta Koraya
Konnichiwa to honourable ACEF Chairperson, Board Members, ACEF
Director, Staff, Japanese friends and all well-wishers.
I am happy to inform you that BDP management appointed me as
Director from October 01, 2023. I am ever thankful to BDP Board
members, BDP staff, ACEF and my friends in Japan. Humbly to let me
introduce myself with you precisely. I am Ignatious Hemanta Corraya,
have been working with Basic Development Partner (BDP) for more than
25 years. Before BDP, I worked with World Vision Bangladesh. My
involvement in children, women and community development ofBangladesh is more than thirty years or so which started when was in
World Vision Bangladesh.
My work in BDP has paved the way for me to have a good relationship with rural communities,
understand their struggles and find ways to mitigate and navigate the problems.
I am fortunate to have a good relationship with so many Tomodachi/good friends in Japan. The
friendship between ACEF and BDP has been over 30 years or more, and I was fortunate to visit several
times to Japan to strengthen the bonds between ACEF and BDP. And also found new Japanese friends
and renewed old bonds. I was so happy visiting many Japanese Kindergarten, Elementary, Highschools, Colleges, University and Churches.
Over the years, my work in BDP has taught me that there is no future for children without education
which starts from basic to quality.
BDP is a Child-focused national NGO has been working for the holistic development. BDP has been
especially working in the field of Pre-primary, non-formal primary and vocational education for thepoorest children in Bangladesh.
Primary Education in the fundamental rights of every child and it ensure in our constitution. Currently,
BDP is facing some challenges especially financial stability but I believe that BDP has a lot of friends
and well-wishers who support the BDP cause no matter what, as the bright eyes of children smiling arecherished in their hearts when they have visited BDP schools in Bangladesh. I would like to continue
running the good BDP Primary Schools with the support of Japanese friends in the upcoming days.
Presently I am graced by the almighty to be the Director of BDP, which for me is just another newchallenge with opportunities for my resume. I believe my work with the communities and children of BDP
will remain the same as before and also with my BDP team/colleagues. I hope that BDP and ACEF
especially members and supporters will continue their work and have a strong friendship in years tocome as before.
I would like to give especial thanks to all the Elementary, Junior High, High school, College andJapanese University students for their long years concern love and support to the poor BDP students.
Earnestly thanks all the donor partners, church members especially ACEF and Board members.
Please pray for me that I can continue my work for the development of children and women in
Bangladesh with all of your prayers and support.
みなさん、とてもありがとうございます。またあいます。
Ignatious Hemanta Corraya
Director, Basic Development Partners (BDP)

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About Legacy Donation and Inheritance Donation
At ACEF, we have received donations through bequests andinheritances from individuals with connections to us in the past.
Recently, we received an inheritance donation from Mr. Hiroshi Sasakiand Mrs. Kumiko Sasaki under the designation of "Mother's Will." Mrs.
Asako, the mother in question, had a longstanding relationship with ACEF withour board members during her lifetime. She had a keen interest in ACEF study
tours and Bangladesh. Recently, Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki came across the reportsof this year's study tour participants on the Facebook page of the current boardmembers. Imagining that Mrs. Asako, who always held ACEF in her thoughts,
would have appreciated the updates, they decided to make a donation from theinheritance. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Asako, as well as to Mr.
Hiroshi Sasaki and Mrs. Kumiko Sasaki, for their warm sentiments.

ICU Service Learning Fundraising on GoFundMe
Dear ACEF members and friends,

https://gofund.me/bd069199

Some of you may have met me at the seminar on
9/24, but to those of you who haven’t my name isEthan. I am currently studying at ICU in Tokyo andtaking a service learning course in partnership withACEF. I would first like to thank everyone at ACEF fortheir extreme kindness and acceptance of me and all
my classmates who have been working with ACEF sofar.
Over the past month, my classmates and I have beenworking with ACEF to try and raise money for installinga library in one of our BDP partner schools, while also
trying to raise awareness about ACEF at the same time.
Our goal is to raise around 100,000 yen to install a library.
We created a GoFundMe page for anyone around the world
to donate and help us reach our goal. We are currently morethan one-fourth of the way there! My classmates and I would
greatly appreciate it if you could share our GoFundMe withanyone you know to help us install a library. No donation istoo small!
Best wishes, Ethan4

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October 27th is Reading Day! Book report onnm
Colu ◾️"International Cooperation in the SDGs Era"

The authors are three individuals, all of whom have been involved with ACEF forover 20 years: In Chapter 2, Noriko Inoue has been working with ACEF for nearly 30 years,
and her travels to Bangladesh have amounted to an impressive 57 visits.
Handling Chapters 1 and 3, Michiko Ono, inspired by her participation in ACEF study tours
during her university days, has become an active advocate of children's safeguarding, both
domestically and internationally. Responsible for Chapters 3 and 4, Mikiko Nishimura,similarly influenced by her participation in ACEF study tours during university, is now
teaching sociology of education and international education cooperation at the university
level.
The main theme of the book is international cooperation:
It explores what fosters individuals through international cooperation, through theexperiences of participants who have formed connections across borders. It investigates
what Bangladeshi children, who graduated from schools supported by ACEF, think and how
they live after graduation. This explores the mutual aspect of international cooperation.

◾️◾️ Chapter 1 - About Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country where over 90% of the population speaks Bengali, and it is an Islamic nation. It gained
independence after a nine-month war in 1971. Originally part of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan since 1941,
the movement for independence strengthened due to the economic disparities and the imposition of Urdu,
instead of Bengali – the language spoken by the majority in East Pakistan. Bangladesh is a pro-Japanesenation. While some may imagine a warm climate, the reality is that from June to early October is the rainyseason, and from December to around February, it becomes intensely cold to the point of survival being
challenging without warm clothing.
〜 The Pros and Cons of Economical Growth in Bangladesh 〜
Until the 1990s, Bangladesh was often perceived as one of the poorest countries, but post-2000, rapid
economic development has occurred, primarily driven by the manufacturing sector. Today, the airport wheretattered clothing was a common sight, is now overflowing with people from the middle class and above.
Economic progress is evident in the cityscape, with an increase in paved roads, the establishment of luxury
hotels along the roads, and the towering presence of skyscrapers. However, economic disparity has also
widened, with the lives of the impoverished remaining unchanged, and they are forced into challenging lives withrising prices despite no improvement. Additionally, there are those who cannot work in a secure labor
environment.
〜 Education System 〜
In Bangladesh, there is a five-year primary education and a seven-year secondary education. The government
has made primary education (elementary school) compulsory and provided financial support by making tuition
fees free, and implementing measures such as supplying wheat and rice for attending school regularly.
However, there are grades with national exams for certification, and without passing, students cannot proceed
to the next grade, making it impossible for everyone to graduate from even primary school. Moreover, not only
passing the exams but also achieving good scores is crucial as it affects the subsequent years, leading to asituation where students are pressured by the exams. Due to these circumstances, there is a growingenthusiasm for education from a young age among the affluent class.
by Haruka KatoInternational
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〜 The Bright and Dark Side of Improved Enrollment Rates 〜
As mentioned earlier, due to the increasing interest in education, the enrollment rate for primary education isclose to 100%. However, only about 80% can graduate from primary school, and 67% can continue in tosecondary school, indicating that there are still many children left behind in terms of educational opportunities.
In terms of the gender gap in enrolment and completion rates, government initiatives such as distributing
scholarships to girls have significantly alleviated the disparities. Recently, having a higher education level for
women is considered advantageous in finding a better marriage partner. However, the societal preference forwomen's labor is not as favourable, and some parents feel the urgency to marry off their daughters early,
leading to a significant number of children getting married while still pursuing their education. Consequently,
Bangladesh is said to be the fourth-highest country globally in terms of child marriage rates.
〜 Bangladesh as an MDGs Honor Student and Expectations for SDGs Achievement 〜
Bangladesh received high international acclaim for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),
despite remaining challenges. This recognition has drawn attention to Bangladesh's potential in achieving theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Education indicators for SDGs include a 100% completion rate forprimary and early secondary education, improving infrastructure in schools such as electricity, internet access,clean drinking water, and toilet facilities, as well as creating a comfortable environment for students withdisabilities. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, is expected to continue efforts towardachieving these goals.
（International Christian University, Haruka Kato）To be continued

Come meet ACEF at 11/3 Minami Mitaka Church Bazaar!
Service Learning students will be preparing Bengali tea at the Minami Mitaka Church!
Please come and join us.
Minami Mitaka Church: From JR Kichijoji Station or Mitaka Station, take a bus and get
off at "Mitaka Nokyo-mae," just a 2-minute walk away.You can use any of the following
buses:
・From Kichijoji Station: 01 to "Musashisakai Station South Exit," 06 to "Chofu Station
North Exit"
・From Mitaka Station: 54 to "Senkawa," "Koko Gakuen Higashi," or 55 to "Nogaya"
Feel free to bring friends and come by!

Rerun recording of ACEF’s
2023 Autumn Seminar
Follow the ACEF YouthYouTube channel here！

→Part 1
https://youtu.be/SAfrx15KowU?
si=btd4dffdR3po8zXm
Part 2https://youtu.be/CR7I-FqNtCs?
si=CD4EX2WoXAqKZkGe6

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ACEF Youth: 6th meeting was held
"ACEF YOUTH" refers to the youth division of ACEF. Within
ACEF, there are members from high school students,
university students, working professionals, and others, eachinvolved in various activities related to their specific areas ofinterest, such as education, development, and poverty
alleviation. ACEF YOUTH is a team formed by these members.
Many great ideas have been discussed at the meeting, Pleaselook forward to it!
ACEF YOUTH engages in diverse activities, including SNS
broadcasting and volunteering for handicraft activities at theACEF office in Waseda. Each individual's passions areutilized. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us!

ACEF YouthICU Service Learning: 2023 Autumn

Participating in the event organized by the JapanBangladesh Society, 'Education forChildren of 'Bengali' Living in Karachi.'"“On October 14th, I attended a seminar conducted by Associate Professor
Michiko Ono from the Faculty of Social Welfare Design at Toyo University. The
theme of the seminar was the education of the "Bengali" people living inKarachi, Pakistan. The term "Bengali" in Karachi refers to Bengali Muslims from
Bangladesh and Muslims from the Arakan region of Myanmar.
One significant challenge I learned about is that over 60% of the estimated"Bengali" population in Karachi is stateless. In the context of Pakistan, which
has a highly identification-focused society, these stateless "Bengali" individuals
face difficulties such as lack of citizenship, inability to secure decent
employment, no access to long-distance transportation, bank accounts, andwelfare services. Regarding the theme of education, those identified as"Bengali" are unable to progress beyond the ninth grade.
However, there is little to no movement addressing the issue of statelessness,both internationally and domestically. Currently, local support for theimpoverished is barely keeping these individuals afloat.
Given the complex situation in Pakistan, it is challenging for the international community to significantly raiseawareness or provide support. Nevertheless, in such circumstances, grassroots efforts to raise awareness andsupport local aid organizations become crucial. I believe that the involvement of civic groups and societal
activities is essential.”(ACEF Youth, Asumi Yamada)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.jp

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