As the curtain draws to a close on 2025, we at BreaktheTide take a moment to reflect on a meaningful milestone – we proudly celebrated the five years of impact this year.

BreaktheTide was born in June 2020, during the height of a global pandemic marked by uncertainty and disruption. In the face of those challenges, we began our journey with two deeply impactful projects in Bangladesh in 2021.

Our first initiative, Sporsho Braille, launched in March 2021, followed by Bloom Chittagong in November 2021. Though very different in focus, both projects created lasting impact.

Through Sporsho Braille, BreaktheTide sponsored 50 copies of “Kunodin Jagibe Na Aar” (“Will Not Wake Up Again”) – the first mystery novel published in Bangla Braille by Sporsho Foundation Publication. These books were distributed to visually impaired students at the 2021 Ekushe Boi Mela, Bangladesh’s annual national book exhibition.

For Bloom Chittagong, BreaktheTide funded critical technology upgrades to support individualized occupational therapy, early educational support, speech and language therapy, and online assessments for children and young adults with Down syndrome. These upgrades were especially vital at a time when in-person sessions came to a halt and virtual services became the only way forward.

Looking back at the bleak days of 2020 and early 2021, it is difficult to imagine how abruptly our lives were upended. BreaktheTide was created during that time to raise funds to empower women and children, and support underserved communities.

Over the past five years, BreaktheTide has sponsored 17 impactful projects locally and globally, supporting hundreds of individuals and distributing more than $20,000 toward initiatives focused on:

• Educational and Vocational Training
• Restarting and Restoring Lives
• Self-employment and Sustainable Livelihoods
• Small and Social Businesses

5-Year Anniversary Gala

On November 1, 2025, BreaktheTide proudly marked its 5-year anniversary with a celebratory gala attended by more than 60 WaveMakers (donors).

The evening featured our signature silent auction, with guests bidding on beautiful artifacts from Bangladesh, stunning artwork by talented artists from the DMV area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), and a unique handmade jacket and earrings made by WaveMakers themselves. Nearly all auction items were generously donated by our WaveMaker community.

Masala Bazaar Café provided a delicious dinner and appetizers at a discounted rate, and the DJ generously donated his time and kept the celebration lively with an incredible mix of global music.

A heartfelt thanks goes to our amazing volunteers. Their dedication, energy, and enthusiasm made the event a true success – volunteers are the lifeblood of BreaktheTide.

Many WaveMakers also made generous contributions during and after the event. Every donation will directly support BreaktheTide’s 2026 projects, helping us continue to create meaningful change worldwide.

Sharing some pictures from the event

Impactful Projects in 2025: Local and Global

Academic & Professional Advancement – Baltimore, Maryland

In partnership with Community Compassion USA (CCUSA), BreaktheTide awarded a $2,000 academic scholarship to a Registered Nurse originally from Syria. Although registered in New Mexico, she was required to complete IELTS training and certification to obtain her RN license in Maryland. BreaktheTide’s grant covered her IELTS preparation course and Maryland RN certification.

She has successfully completed her coursework and obtained her Maryland RN license and is currently seeking employment as a Registered Nurse.

To protect her privacy, no photos or personally identifiable information are shared.

Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors – Houston, Texas

In partnership with Daya, Inc., BreaktheTide provided a $1,500 grant to support domestic violence survivors through professional driving lessons and prepaid Tracfones with 12-month service plans.

One survivor, a 38-year-old woman from Jordan, successfully completed her driving lessons and obtained her driver’s license. With additional support from Daya, she secured stable housing and initiated legal custody proceedings for her young son.

Multiple survivors also received Tracfones to help them safely restart their lives.

To protect privacy, no photos or personal details are shared.

Education for Visually Impaired Students – Bangladesh

BreaktheTide provided educational grants through Sporsho Foundation’s Jyoti Scholarship to six visually impaired students pursuing post-secondary education at leading institutions in Bangladesh. Each recipient received BDT 30,000 (approximately USD 250) to pay for textbooks, tuition, e-library subscriptions, and transportation.

The Jyoti Scholarship is competitive, and BreaktheTide will award two additional scholarships to visually impaired students in the coming year.

To protect privacy, no photos or personal details are shared.

Global Community Empowerment – Liberia

In partnership with Change Agent Network Africa, Inc.(CANAfrica), BreaktheTide supported the development of the Voinjama Poultry and Crop Farm, the Yassah’s Sister Empowerment Project for pregnant women and children, and a clean drinking water initiative for the rural community of Balagwalazu in Lofa County, Liberia. These projects strengthened nutrition, food security, economic development, training, and empowerment for women and children.