Envoys from 17 Countries Walk the Ramp to Raise Funds for Nutritious Meals for Bangladeshi Schoolchildren
To ensure nutritious meals for school students in Bangladesh, seventeen ambassadors and high commissioners walked the ramp in a unique fundraising event titled ‘Thrive Benefit Fashion Show.’ Held on October 30 at the Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport in the capital, the event brought together members of the diplomatic community, heads of various UN agencies, corporate representatives, donors, and guests to raise funds for Thrive Bangladesh’s school meal program. Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport served as the official hospitality partner for this initiative.
Attending the event as the chief guest, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj highlighted that the government has taken steps to expand the school meal program nationwide. He noted that initiatives like Thrive Bangladesh strengthen government efforts to ensure child nutrition and increase school attendance, emphasizing that no child’s education should be hindered by hunger. Organizers Michael Miller, the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh, and his wife Philippa Wood played a key role in bringing the fashion show together.
Founded in 2012 by Priscilla Perry Heffelfinger, Gina Gabel, and Regina Landor, Thrive Bangladesh is a non-profit organization driven by the belief that no child should study on an empty stomach. Amna Rahman, Chair of Thrive Bangladesh, highlighted that diplomats from around the world walked the ramp for the country’s children, stating that every ticket purchase and donation directly supports providing meals to children, making a meaningful difference between a child having the opportunity to learn or missing out due to hunger.
Elaborating on the organizational impact, Deputy Chair Kanwal Bakshi Bhagat stated that Thrive’s meals encourage children to attend school and stay in education by keeping them healthy and supporting academic performance. Echoing this sentiment, another Deputy Chair, Sadia Moin, remarked that every nutritious meal is a gift of good health, hope, and a brighter future. Additionally, Ashwani Nayar, Cluster General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport, expressed honor in partnering with Thrive Bangladesh and hoped this initiative would become one of Dhaka’s most meaningful annual events.
The funds raised will provide daily nutrient- and protein-rich foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and nuts, to students across 13 partner schools, while creating opportunities to expand to new institutions. The event was sponsored by Karatoa Green Spinning Mills Limited, City Bank PLC, Agile Minds Solution Limited, Rangs, ZXY International, and Nestlé Bangladesh PLC. Thrive Bangladesh expressed warm gratitude to all corporate sponsors and Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport for their dedication to improving child health and education.
