Bangladeshi aid worker to visit NZ

Bangladeshi David Haider, who has hosted well over 500 New Zealanders visiting his country, is about to receive some Kiwi hospitality when he visits New Zealand next month.

But this tireless worker for the poor won’t be here on holiday.

Mr Haider, who has worked for World Vision Bangladesh for 30 years, since its inception in 1973, will travel around New Zealand speaking at public meetings and to the media about the work of World Vision in Bangladesh.

Looking back over the changes he has seen among the people of Bangladesh during his years of development work, he said the most noticeable is the effect of education on the attitudes of the people. “People are now very proud and they have a new sense of dignity. The literacy rate among the people where World Vision has been working is now high,” he said.

He notes a complete change from relief mentality to self sufficiency in Bangladesh. “The people want to work hard, but they need encouragement and support where it’s required, and that’s something World Vision keeps providing.”

He said it’s thrilling to see former sponsored children now working for World Vision Bangladesh and other NGOs (non Government Organisations) to help their own people in their communities “with the same values they got from World Vision Bangladesh.”

Working for the needy is a desire that’s been with David Haider since he was a teenager. “I was always dreaming from my high school that I would try my best to help the poor and needy people – doesn’t matter who, where, how – as long as they are in crisis. My work with World Vision Bangladesh has helped me to fulfill my dream. People have many needs, but love and care are the biggest, I feel. It is the relationships we build with each other that are important.”

Surely after 30 years of helping the poor and needy, he would get tired?

“In my dictionary the word ‘TIRED’ is not found. Rather I enjoy the work, any time, anywhere, at any circumstances because it is my responsibility, devotion and commitment. How can you keep silent where there are people in need and asking for help?”

David Haider will be speaking at the following venues: Please phone 0800 800 776 to attend. All are welcome.

• New Plymouth Central Baptist Church, 89 Liardet St, Monday 12 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Hawera Baptist Church, 128 Argyle St, Monday 12 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Wanganui St Andrew's Presbyterian Ch, 42 Glasgow St, Tuesday 13 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Wanganui St Andrew's Prebyterian Ch, 42 Glasgow St, Tuesday 13 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Palmerston North Central Baptist Church, 190 Church St, Wed 14 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Palmerston North Central Baptist Church, 190 Church St Wed 14 May, 7.30pm
• Waikanae Baptist Church, 286 Te Moana Road, Thursday 15 May, Lunch meeting,12.30pm
• Levin Queen St Chapel, 543 Queen St, Thursday 15 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Tawa St Christopher's Anglican Church, 1 Lyndhurst Road, Friday 16 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Porirua Hosanna Fellowship, 2 Driver Cres, Cannons Creek, Friday 16 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Nelson City Church of Christ, 173 Rutherford St, Monday 19 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Nelson City Church of Christ, 173 Rutherford St, Monday 19 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Blenheim Elim Church, 26 Burleigh Road, Tuesday 20 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Blenheim Elim Church, 26 Burleigh Road, Tuesday 20 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Wellington, Turnbull House, 25 Bowen Street, Wednesday 21 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Wellington, Turnbull House, 25 Bowen Street, Wednesday 21 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Lower Hutt, Christian Victory Centre, 445 High Street, Thursday 22 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Lower Hutt, Christian Victory Centre, 445 High Street, Thursday 22 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Masterton, Frank Cody Lounge, Chapel Street, Friday 23 May, Lunch meeting, 12 noon
• Pahiatua, Bush Community Church, 98 Main St, Friday 23 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Dannevirke Christian Fellowship, 12 Barraud St, Saturday 24 May, Lunch meeting,12.30pm
• Waipukurau Apostolic Church, Jellico St, Saturday 24 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Hastings Apostolic Church, 306 Hapuka Street, Monday 26 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Hastings Apostolic Church, 306 Hapuka Street, Monday 26 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm
• Napier Christian Outreach Centre, 6 Holden St, Tuesday 27 May, Lunch meeting, 12.30pm
• Napier Christian Outreach Centre, 6 Holden St, Tuesday 27 May, Supper meeting, 7.30pm

Donations may be made to cover food and expenses.