by Nozrul Islam

In its eighth edition, Br Lucio Beninati's initiative has brought together as volunteers Muslims, Hindus and Christians on a day dedicated to homeless children and youth. The festival involves a variety of activities, including sharing meals but also medical checkups for kids in poor health. Although "unruly", the latter "know they are loved".

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - A day of celebration, games, little magic shows and workshop activities was recently held in Bangladesh. At least for a few hours, some of Dhaka's street kids were able to have some joy and feel warmth from others during a festival all dedicated to them, now in its eighth edition.

Brother Lucio Beninati, a missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), is behind the initiative. A few years ago, he set up an association made up of volunteers who take care of street kids six days a week.

This year, the event was held on 25 October. Because of the rain, only 90 to 95 children made it. Still, the volunteers entertained them with games and other fun activities, including a magic show.

Eventually, after they were divided into six groups according to the place they came from in the city, they took part in a workshop, with their own work later shown to all the kids.

During all this, two doctors gave them a checkup, and treated those who were sick.

At lunchtime, everyone got together to share a meal.

Everything on this day was done voluntarily: from the doctors and the entertainers to the people who donated the food (flour, rice eggs, etc), and those who cooked it.

After it was all over, the children and youth went back to their streets with some presents, but also with some of the joy that came from a day spent with others.

The volunteers - Muslims, Christians and Hindus from every walk of life - said that the children were a bit 'unruly', yet "they knew they were loved and so allowed themselves be led on this festive day."

• bangladesh
• children
• festival
• games
• magic
• medical
• treatment
• pime