Taken from the ICDP Bangladesh report by Rumi Zengcham, project coordinator.
ICDP has been expanding in Bangladesh with new groups of facilitators who are supervised by new trainee trainers. The ICDP programme was rolled out to a total of 27 caregiver groups who completed the course, and another 26 groups are currently attending ICDP. Facilitator training was initiated in three locations, Dhaka, Dinajpur, and Chattogram, with a total of 54 participants from partner organizations.
Two facilitator gatherings were held, attended by 127 participants. They shared heartfelt stories from the field — stories of transformation, perseverance, and human connection. Some spoke of the joys and triumphs they experienced while guiding caregivers and witnessing positive changes in families and communities. Others courageously opened up about the challenges they faced — moments of doubt, fatigue, and difficulty in reaching certain groups — yet each story was filled with resilience and hope. The atmosphere was alive with empathy and encouragement. Every smile, every nod, and every shared word reminded participants that they were not alone in their journey. The gathering became more than just a meeting — it was a celebration of dedication, compassion, and of the power of human connection that lies at the heart of ICDP.
Testimony of caregivers:
My Journey After ICDP Caregiver Training
I am Ruma Akter, a mother of two sons. My elder son is currently studying in Class Two. Since receiving ICDP caregiver training, my relationship with my children has improved significantly.
My elder son loves creating new things. One day, he made a new toy by following a YouTube channel. I was amazed—how he could manage to make something like that all by himself? I sat beside him and asked, “How did you do this?” He happily explained each step. I listened attentively, and I could see how much it meant to him. He was overjoyed that I showed genuine interest in something he created.
I praised him for his effort and said, “If you keep trying, you can make even more beautiful things.” I also added, “Please let me know if you need my help.” After hearing this, he hugged me tightly and said, “You didn’t yell at me or get mad. Instead, you said you would help me. I’ll try my best to do something that makes you proud.”
This moment was very emotional for me. It made me realize how much impact positive communication can have on a child’s emotional well-being and self-esteem.
I am truly grateful to the trainers who gave me the opportunity to receive ICDP caregiver training. It has helped me become not just a good mother, but also a good friend to my children.
Transformation Through ICDP Caregiver Training
Md. Ilias shared the positive changes he experienced after receiving ICDP caregiver training.
Having lost both of his parents in childhood, he was raised by his maternal uncle and aunt. Unfortunately, they often treated him harshly and with little compassion.
Reflecting on his past, Ilias admitted that before the training, he had unknowingly started treating his own children the same way his uncle and aunt had treated him. However, the ICDP training helped him recognize that such behavior was harmful. He learned that rough behavior negatively affects a child’s brain development and emotional well-being.
The training inspired him to break the cycle. Now, he spends quality time with his children, listens to them, and treats them with kindness and respect. He says, “My uncle’s bad behavior caused me a lot of pain and damage. That’s why I will never, ever mistreat my children.”
Through ICDP, Ilias has become a more conscious and caring parent, committed to giving his children a better and more nurturing upbringing than he had.