Update from Laura

Well - finally I post something via emailing it to England! The internet connection is really slow here so we can't get on to the blog ourselves to post! Also - the programme is jam packed so it is difficult to find time to stop and think what to write, but here goes...

It is hot hot hot hot, and considering it's meant to be monsoon season we are having a poor show of rain. It only rained this morning, after which it cooled down for a few hours, but it soon heated up again! The place we are staying in - the YMCA training center I think is probably a place of luxury for many in Bangladesh however I miss my comfy bed, water running from the tap I can drink, cupboards and fridge full of food, instant internet and mobile phone access and familiar people around me all the time! I'm getting used to it though. Can't say I'm particularly enjoying the experience at present but certainly getting a lot from it, even if it is only the end of the 3rd full day.

The first day saw us talking all about ourselves - our life stories. The participants except from the English are from various parts of Asia- Thailand, Cambodia, Laos - they all speak English, but there is a lot of concentration from us English folk to understand, however it's amazing that they all speak our language! Yesterday and today have mostly been about country profiles, we have all had to present our country to the rest of the group. Whilst we were preparing last night, some of us from England felt quite ashamed of our lack of knowledge about England - our country and it's history. The other countries presenting seemed so knowledgable about their country and I think so often we are ignorant as Brits and don't appreciate all we have, and what our country has gone through for us to be where we are today.

It was interesting to hear of the struggles other countires face also and how their organisations - some YMCAs deal with the issues - again like England there are many issues surrounding unemployment, education and crime, also issues of prostitution, health and working to make peace in their areas.

The day ended discussing diversity, stereotyping and prejudice. We are such a diverse group of people here in Bangladesh - all of different race, religion, culture yet we have so much in common as well as differences.