Ray of Hope is raising $3,000 ($500 x 6 months) to support Kalam and his family for the next 6 months. The funds will help his family with their living expenses as he continues with treatment.

Kalam Abul is from Bangladesh and is married with one daughter, aged 4. He was working as a Lifting Supervisor, earning approximately $1,200 a month. He would remit the bulk of his salary to his family for their living expenses, keeping around $300 for himself.

On 28 January 2022, Kalam was working on a big drain and had to get over to the other side of the drain where his supervisor was. His supervisor then instructed Kalam to climb up and jump into the 2m deep drain to get to the opposite side where his supervisor was. Kalam was afraid of speaking up to his supervisor as he did so as instructed, injuring his right knee due to a poor landing as a result. As he was not brought to seek immediate treatment, Kalam continued working despite the persistent pain in his knee, until he was eventually sent to his company clinic that evening.

Close to a month later on 21 February, Kalam was tasked to be the signaller for the excavator, and the excavator accidentally scooped up some rope that pulled him off his feet. Kalam was injured, but was allegedly denied treatment after his safety officer was upset that Kalam had asked to seek treatment for his injuries. It was only after much intervention by the Ministry of Manpower and an NGO supporting migrant workers, was Kalam allowed to seek treatment after his employer finally issued him with a Letter of Guarantee (LOG).

Kalam went for his MRI on 24 May and underwent a surgery for his ligaments on 15 July. The delay in treatment had resulted in the pain that Kalam has to bear with, when he goes up the stairway. 

Back home, Kalam is also supporting his 60 year-old brother and his wife. Kalam’s brother is unfit for employment due to past injuries from a work accident. As the sole breadwinner who is now unable to send remittances home, Kalam is under immense stress and is eager to recover. 

Kalam hopes to resume work to continue supporting his family. He attends weekly TCM treatment and physiotherapy sessions offered by an NGO.