We are raising money to help Maria Conceicao Foundation (MCF) towards the SCOTT McMAHEN AFTER-SCHOOL HOUSE (S.M.A.S.H), a community center for children who are currently under the  MCF scholarship. This is in memory of Scott Alan McMahen who made many lives better by sharing and giving whatever and whenever he could.

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The money that we will raise will pay for the annual rent of the 2-bedroom +1 living room, as well as basic refurbishment to make it a comfortable place for the kids.

THE PROJECT : Scott McMahen After School House (SMASH) in Gawair Dhaka.

The 2 bedroom house  + 1 living room is located in Gawair, Dhaka. We would like to develop it into an low key arts and community centre for the children under the Maria Conceicao Foundation scholarship program. Their homes are situated in the slums of Dhaka. When they go back home from school , we want the children to have a space to do their homework, read books, work on art and learn new skills. 

We want the house to be fully furnished and create a comfortable space for the children. We also want the house to give them the environment and facilities to learn new things. We plan on creating a volunteering visit program, where volunteers can teach students new skills such as crochet, arts and crafts, music etc. It gives the students an opportunity to interact with different people and develop from all angles. 

The house rent costs USD 130-140 (BDT 10,000) per month 
Wifi connection costs USD 25-30 (BDT 2,000) per month.
Water/electricity bills cost USD 40-50 (BDT 3,000) per month. (This can vary)

Currently the house is very basic, and not furnished. It has a couple of carpets, lights, a fire stove, a mattress and a bookshelf. Any additional funds raised will be used towards a bed for volunteers, building a proper western toilet, some fans/cooling and other essential basics. 

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Since 2005 Maria Cristina Foundation has not only helped to educate 600 children but has aimed to create a life for them that is no different than the life of a child who has access to an education, a home, a family, and the facilities needed to develop all round. This is just a humble initiative because our foundation has severe lack of funding but hopefully in the future, this will be the heart of community and arts in the slums of Dhaka.