Distressed Children International (DCI), a Bangladeshi non-profit enterprise in the USA, is dedicated to safeguarding children’s rights and assisting families in breaking the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, and income-generating opportunities. DCI also fosters connections between American youth and children in less fortunate countries, providing them with insights into the global challenges faced by children and inspiring them to take leadership in humanitarian causes. As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization registered in the United States and operating globally, DCI welcomes all donations, which are tax-deductible for US taxpayers. Notably, eighty-five percent of all total operating expenses are allocated to programs that directly support children in poverty.
Founded in 2003 by Bangladeshi entrepreneur Dr. Ehsan Hoque, DCI aims to improve the socio-economic, educational, and health conditions of underprivileged children worldwide. DCI operates in Bangladesh, India, and other countries, running essential programs for children’s health and well-being.
Vision
No child is left behind due to a lack of resources and opportunities to develop their full potential.
Mission
Offer education, healthcare, and skill development to youth and families in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Nicaragua. Connect privileged children to less fortunate ones, educating them about challenges and inspiring them to lead in humanitarian causes.
Programs
At present, Distressed Children International or Distressed Children & Infants International (DCI) has the following programs:
- Sun Child Sponsorship Program:
The Sun Child Sponsorship Program aims to stop school dropouts, child labor, early marriage, and child rights abuses. - Orphan Support
Orphan Support provides nutritious food, basic necessities, educational support, library and computer resources, healthcare, counseling, and co-curricular activities. - Blindness Prevention
Blindness Prevention aims to arrange eye screening camps, provide treatment, and educate children and parents about eye health. - Journey for Child Rights & Sight (JCRS)
The Journey for Child Rights & Sight aims to raise awareness about underprivileged children and preventable blindness, and to create a stronger international network to protect them.
Distressed Children International Accomplishments in Numbers:
• Number of underprivileged village children able to continue their education: 1,100
• Number of impoverished village children receiving free healthcare: 3,520
• Number of orphans getting healthcare and education support: 330
• Number of disadvantaged children who received free eye care: 3,822
• Number of adults who received free eye care: 3,200
• Number of Dhaka City slum residents provided with free healthcare and medicine: 7,400
• Number of villagers given relief and rehabilitation support following Cyclones Sidr & Aila: 1,500
• Number of volunteers trained: 250
Team
President: Dr. Brian DeBroff
Vice President: Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, PhD
Director: Dr. Ehsan Hoque
Director: Phil Noel
Director: Dr. Nina Hoque
Director: Lori Sudderth, PhD