Sporsho Braille Book

BreaktheTide BreaktheTide continued with the Braille in Bangla project in 2024. This year, for the Ekushey Book Fair 2024, Bangladesh's largest annual literary event, Sporsho Foundation published 50 copies of Hoodi, a psychological thriller by renowned author Ahmed Shahabuddin. These books, along with other titles, were distributed free of charge to visually impaired students and young adults at the book fair.

The remaining copies of these books were donated to libraries and schools outside Dhaka to ensure wider access. It is estimated that several hundred visually impaired individuals will benefit from this initiative, gaining free access to quality literature.
Sporsho Braille Book

Rise to Independence

BreaktheTide sponsored Rise to Independence’s (RTI) computer literacy and proficiency program for the girls at Harmony Haven Orphanage in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This program enhances the academic curriculum by equipping the girls with vital computer skills for their future career development.
Through this initiative, the orphanage received a desktop computer, which enables students to take online English classes from an educator based in the USA. These interactive lessons provide a dynamic and engaging learning experience, going beyond traditional classroom methods.
In addition to improving their English, the girls are gaining essential digital skills, ranging from basic computer operations to more advanced aspects of digital literacy. This program empowers them with tools to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Rise to Independence

Building Homes for Cyclone Remal Victims

On May 26, 2024, Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc along the coastal regions of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, leaving devastation in its wake. In Bangladesh alone, approximately 4.6 million people were affected. The cyclone brought winds of up to 111 km/h (69 mph) and a storm surge that caused flooding with water levels rising 5–8 feet, forcing thousands to abandon their homes.

In response, BreaktheTide partnered with Sporsho Foundation’s Taruchhaya Project to help rebuild lives. Two one-room houses were constructed for Fazi Bibi and Fatema Khatun—two widows from Paikgacha in Khulna District who had lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods.
Building Homes

Blanket Distribution

In February 2024, unusually cold weather struck Bangladesh, with temperatures in some regions dropping to single digits Celsius—a rarity in this tropical country. BreaktheTide collaborated with Sporsho Foundation to bring warmth to those most affected by the cold spell.

Volunteers distributed 80 warm blankets to villagers, including teachers and families of students, in the Shatkhira and Jashore districts located in southwestern Bangladesh. This effort provided much-needed comfort to communities struggling during the harsh weather.
Blanket Distribution

Columbia, Maryland

BreaktheTide BreaktheTide partnered with Columbia Community Care to sponsor the Wellness for Building Strength, Happiness, and Peace of Mind program, aimed at empowering mothers to prioritize their health and well-being.

This initiative, facilitated by a certified fitness coach and personal trainer, took place in November 2023 with seven women participating and in February 2024 with 13 women participating in the events. The program removed financial barriers to health access, creating a supportive environment for mothers to pursue their wellness goals while balancing the challenges of daily life.
Columbia Community Care

Columbia, Maryland

BreaktheTide supported Continental Societies Inc.’s efforts to celebrate culture and education through their annual African American Read-In and Door Decorating Contest at Cradlerock Elementary School in Columbia, Maryland.

In addition to this, BreaktheTide contributed to various programs organized by the organization, including:

• A Health Care Expo, featuring donations of shoes and socks.
• A Black History Expo, which included Black History Bingo.
• An African American Read- In, integrated with a college and career expo.
• An Art and Humanities Initiative, highlighted by a Peabody concert.

Continental Societies Inc.

Houston, Texas

BreaktheTide sponsored individual coaching sessions with Amel USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and social well-being of refugee, asylee, and immigrant communities in Houston, Texas.

Amel USA works closely with local high schools to provide both in-person and virtual Leadership & Coaching programs. In 2024, BreaktheTide sponsored a program for 20 students across two Houston high schools, encompassing 12 interactive sessions designed to build resilience, leadership, and self-confidence.
Amel USA

These accomplishments highlight the vital role of WaveMakers (donors) and the impactful efforts of WaveBreakers (projects). WaveMakers are the backbone of these successes with your generous contributions that empower the remarkable efforts of the WaveBreakers to drive meaningful change. Similarly, the WaveBreakers have worked tirelessly on the ground to make these achievements possible, ensuring every effort makes a lasting impact.

BreaktheTide hosted an Evening of Comedy and Networking event on October 19, 2024. The event was quite a success with more than 50 WaveMakers attending. They were entertained by comedians, Rola and Simone. The silent auction was also a success and the contributions made by the WaveMakers will help us fund the WaveBreakers (projects) in 2025.
Evening of Comedy & Networking

Year-end Donations

Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to celebrate a major milestone: 5 incredible years of BreaktheTide! This anniversary marks half a decade of making waves of positive change, and we couldn’t have done it without you. As part of this celebration, we intend to expand our impact further by reaching more WaveBreakers locally and globally, and support more impactful projects.

As we celebrate this year of achievements, we invite you to continue supporting our efforts. A year-end gift can help us kickstart 2025 on a strong note. 🎁

All your contributions are tax-deductible - our Federal ID is 85-1467929

There are many ways to donate:

Mail Check to:

BreaktheTide, Inc.

2744 Millers Way Drive; Ellicott City; MD 21043

BreaktheTide is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a fundraising platform for individuals and nonprofit organizations to help raise funds to empower women, children and underprivilege communities. Federal ID 85-1467929.

BreaktheTide sponsors projects in:

• Educational & Vocational Training
• Self-employment & Sustainable Livelihood
• Restarting & Restoring Life
• Small & Social Business

Thank You!

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Together, we are breaking tides of challenges and creating waves of change. We would like to thank you from the deepest depth of our hearts for supporting us in 2024 as we look forward to another remarkable year ahead.

Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Please stay well and safe. On behalf of all our Directors, I wish you peace and happiness.

- Sarah