Language and financial exchange
Bangladesh is one of the most secular countries in the world where Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Aborigines enjoy full freedom of expression and have a thirst for democracy.
It is a developing country with a population of nearly 150 million and exports a huge number of skilled and unskilled human resources. Between three and four million people are now working in other countries mainly as economic migrants. A sizeable number have settled in these countries particularly those in Europe and North America.
This settler-turned-diaspora group of Bangladeshis are a potential source not only of remittances into their countries of origin but of investments resulting in overall socio-economic growth of the world. They also act as Ambassadors for international economic integration and their remittances form a major component that supports the improved balance of payments position of Bangladesh.
The ability to speak English is an economic empowerment tool and so educating potential migrants about the environment in their chosen host country, including lifestyle, banking practices, expenditure pattern and social and cultural practices will increase their own potential and opportunities in their host country.
English Speaking Union
To help with the promotion of the English Language as an economic empowerment tool, the Foundation is working with the English Speaking Union(ESU), an international charity founded in 1918 to promote “international understanding and friendship through the use of the English Language.” The Union is expanding its range round the globe providing opportunities for people from different cultures to meet and learn about each other’s background, beliefs and ideas. They do this through exchanges, conferences and international debating and public speaking training and competitions. They have offices in nearly 60 countries including Bangladesh and will provide knowledge and expertise in promoting English Language training through its networks in the country and further afield.
Rahman Jilani presents a fisherman with an interest-free loan to buy a boat as part of the Beveridge Foundation’s micro finance project in Bangladesh
Read more about the Foundation’s micro finance project in Chandpur District, Bangladesh and empowerment of women