Bridging Generations Through Play: The Transformative Journey of Alamgir Hossen
In the quiet village of Kawkhali, sixty-year-old Alamgir Hossen lived a life marked by silence. Born with a speech impairment, his world was limited to gestures and inaudible expressions. Over the years, with increasing age and health complications, Alamgir’s sense of isolation deepened. Though he shared a home with his wife, elderly mother, son, daughter-in-law, and 33-month-old granddaughter Shakiba, he remained on the periphery of family life, unseen, unheard, and unengaged.
That reality began to shift when his daughter-in-law enrolled in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and implemented by JAGO NARI. ECD Facilitator Ripa Akhter, during her routine home visits, noticed Alamgir’s quiet, withdrawn presence. Rather than overlooking him, she saw potential.
Ripa began interacting with Alamgir intentionally, using gestures, empathy, and patience. She introduced him to a simple yet powerful idea: making toys using unused household items. What began as a therapeutic suggestion soon evolved into a profound tr
ansformation.
Alamgir started creating colourful shakers, soft cloth dolls, and homemade blocks, each toy infused with creativity and love. These creations became a bridge betwe en him and his granddaughter, Shakiba. As they played, an emotional connection blos somed. Shakiba, curious and eager, began to learn basic sign language to communicate with her grandfather. In return, Alamgir found joy, purpose, and renewed energy in their daily interactions.
But the impact didn’t stop within the family.
This case highlights how ECD interventions can reach far beyond early learning, they can heal families, revive lost identities, and foster social inclusion across generations. Alamgir’s story stands as a testament to the power of empathy-driven engagement: when we include the most overlooked members of our communities, we create ripples of transformation that benefit everyone.
/JN Newsroom/28-07-2025/
Published on: Monday, 28 July 2025, 02:49 pm ▪ Last update: Monday, 28 July 2025, 02:51 pm ▪ Total View of this Page: 20
