Azad Ahmed, a Library Assistant at Portobello Library, tells City News about the money he’s raised for his home village in Bangladesh.

“In July 2006 I went to visit my birth place in Bangladesh, a village called Sharshakandi. I was saddened and horrified when I saw the conditions my friends and family were living in. Families, including the young and old, were all very poor and couldn’t even eat properly.

Whilst I was visiting, some of the local people asked for my help. Since then I’ve been raising money to buy mosquito nets. This means the villagers can live their day to day lives without the fear of sickness from mosquito bites, which can lead to death.

So far I’ve raised £120 thanks to the Bangladeshi community in Edinburgh. But my target is £1,120, which would provide nets for all 41 families who live there. Recently the village flooded, which has made conditions much worse. They are now lacking basic living materials such as fresh water, proper warm clothes, sanitation and medicine. The children are lacking educational books, writing materials and some have no toys to play with. Any money will make a big difference to their day to day lives.”

If anyone would like to contribute to Azad’s fundraising efforts please contact him by email at azadahmed95@yahoo.co.uk or call 07701095869.