Introduction

OBAT Helpers is a non-profit, 501(C)3 organization committed to provide aid, support, education and economical empowerment to the suffering and displaced persons. Our immediate focus is the Stranded Pakistanis commonly called Biharis, who have been suffering silently in the many shanty camps across Bangladesh for the past three decades.

There are about 250,000 helpless people languishing in the 66 odd make shift camps spread all over Bangladesh. They are a population living in abject poverty with no basic amenities or sanitation facilities. Painfully, they are also stateless, a population with no national identity. Bangladesh govt. recently announced to offer voting rights and citizenships to those who born after Dec 1971. More details will be available soon.

Vision:

At OBAT, we recognize that distribution of financial assistance alone cannot assure sustainable development in the long run. We believe in a policy of involvement and empowerment to guarantee better health, education, hygiene, sanitation and financial progress in the long-term perspective. All the support and relief programs initiated by OBAT are based on education, poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.

During the first phase of development, we focus our energies on building and providing the basic amenities and livable living conditions for the camp dwellers. Presently education and economical empowerment are the major focus area; the imperative shall be on equipping them to help themselves and their fellow beings in the community, in the most effective manner.

We believe that a judicious strategic mix of aid, education, vocational training and empowerment will help us achieve this objective.

Slide show for Educational Projects

Slide show for the Economical Empowerment projects

Self Empowerment

Success Story of Samida

Before joining the micro financing program,
Samida, who lives with her husband Abdul
Quader in the Chamra Gudam Camp, lived in
extreme poverty for 30 years. Quader fell ill
and could no longer work, so Samida and he
visited our Project Office to enroll in the
program in 2006.

Initially, she received her first loan of almost
$100 to buy a rickshaw to rent to others. With
prompt repayments, she qualified for an $130
loan which she used to expand her company.
After paying off these two initial loans she
borrowed $200. Presently, they paid off their
loans.

The couple now owns four rickshaws that are
making enough money for better housing and
three meals a day. Samida, now confident and
business savvy, is an example of how poor
women, if given proper training and supported
with small credit loans, can improve their own
situation and take control of their lives.

Small Trade List

Videos Links

Visit the camp Click here for 7 minute video

Cry For Justice Release of innocent young men

Cry for Help 01 Common problems every where in the camp

Cry for Help 02 Can we help them to stop begging?

The Law of Giving

OBAT Helpers believe in the law of giving. Fortunately, Lord has showered HIS mercy, kindness and blessings on us. Are we not
obliged to give back something for all the good things we enjoy? Yes, by sharing our time, wealth and resources to make the world a
better place and bring smiles of joy to those who are suffering!

"We Give for the Love of God" by Dr. Shahid Athar

OBAT Helpers is focused on providing a better life to these people who are crowned with unimaginable hardships. We are equally

determined to offer a better life for the women and children and help them build a respectable future. We welcome you to be part of
OBAT Helpers. The task on hand is definitely challenging, but not insurmountable. It would draw upon all our combined strength,

resources and sustained efforts to be successful in this noble endeavor.