A future president? No, I'd rather be a doctor!
In Arabic, "Raisa" means a director, chief, or president. But Raisa doesn´t want to be a president, she dreams about becoming a doctor so she could help poor children. She herself visits doctors' offices often because she suffers from conjunctivitis. Her eyes are sometimes filled with unwanted tears.
Raisa has had eye problems since she was a child. During the pregnancy, her mother Juria was having multiple complications. She has a thyroid gland, diabetes, and low blood pressure. When Raisa was born, Juria didn't know how to take care of her or what caused her tearing eyes. Now the doctors have identified the cause and are recommending surgery. But it costs 30,000 taka (7,500 CZK), which is a lot of money for the parents.
From the countryside to the city.
Raisa's mother comes from Borguna, a district in southern Bangladesh. She owns a field there. But she didn´t have her own house, so she moved to Dhaka with her family. Her story is not unique. Every year, the population of the capital increases by 400 thousand. People from the countryside are moving to Dhaka for better work opportunities, but many won´t find a good job. Two-fifths of the metropolitan population live in extreme conditions in slums like Raisa's family.
Mother Juria teaches children Arabic and sells fabrics in the neighbourhood. She earns approximately 2000 taka a month (about 500 CZK). Raisa's father works as a supervisor on the bus for 8000 taka (2000 CZK) a month. The family pays 6000 taka (1500 CZK) for renting their hut made of bamboo and metal sheets and 3500 taka (875 CZK) for the food. They live in poverty and it is very hard for them to save some money.
"Slamalikum". Have a nice day.
Raisa enjoys her time in Chalantika. Her best friend Hazera also comes there. They draw together, play with dolls, or pretend they are small cooks. Raisa learns very quickly. She likes to learn Bengali. She also learned good hygiene and good manners. Now she always greets the teacher and all the other adults with a loud "Slamalikum" (Hello).
The first step
Raisa's mother confides: "I am very grateful that Raisa goes to the Čalantika educational center. I also learn a lot of things myself there, especially about health. Perhaps the center will help her fulfill her dreams. " It is said that the first step to achieve your dreams is to decide what your dream is. Raisa is sure about this, she wants to be a doctor. And if she needs a little help with the other things, Chalantika is here for her. And mainly because of Czech donors. Thank you.
