Ibrahim: 0.145 EUR per hour instead of his dream of becoming a doctor? Help change this!
Ibrahim's story, that of a sharp 16-year-old boy who dreams of a medical career, begins with the dramatic kidnapping of his father, who forced him to beg on the streets from the age of 3. The situation in his family stabilised, and Ibrahim attended the Čalantika Centre. However, the Covid-19 pandemic, a fire in the slum, and the illness of his father and mother forced him to leave his studies two years ago. Today, he works as a vendor at a vegetable market and is the main breadwinner for his family.
The working conditions are truly harsh for him. He works from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, with a one-hour break for food. That’s an incredible 14 hours a day! He earns 250 Taka a day, which is about 2.03 EUR or 0.145 EUR per hour.
Despite the long and exhausting working day, Ibrahim does not lose hope. He still dreams of returning to school and one day becoming a doctor, as he has always wished.
Yasin: 14-year-old brother sharing the burden of responsibility
A similar fate has befallen his 14-year-old brother, Muhammad Yasin. He too had to leave school and start earning. He works at the fish market as a fish cutter. He earns 500 taka a day, or 10,000 taka a month, but half of that goes towards the rent on his stall at the market. This is how things are in Bangladesh. An income of 5,000 taka a month is equivalent to around 40.6 EUR. His work is hard and demanding. However, despite having only completed two grades of primary school, he is skilled with his hands.
Both brothers are deeply devoted to their family and believe that one day they will be able to continue their education and, in the future, provide better for their loved ones. There is a strong sense of unity within the family, with each member contributing according to their abilities to ensure a better tomorrow.
The youngest member of the family is five-year-old Tasnim Mariam. Her parents would like to enrol her in school, but they cannot afford it.
The family in the shadow of disaster
Muhammad Yunus (50), Ibrahim's father, used to work in a textile factory. However, following a serious illness which left him bedridden, he became a burden to his family. His wife, Nasima (37), now looks after the household, but her health has also deteriorated, preventing her from working full-time. She needs gynaecological surgery, but cannot afford it.
The family's monthly budget is in deficit by around 3,500 Taka (28.4 EUR). They also face significant debt: Nasima borrowed 200,000 taka at 30% interest to cover medical expenses. Without outside help, this financial burden will continue to grow and the family will be unable to break free from the cycle of debt and poverty.
The challenge: How can you change their lives?
- Sponsor little Mariam
Mariam is only five years old, but an education could pull her out of the cycle of poverty. Supporting her education with 29 EUR per month would enable her to start attending school, giving her family hope for a better future. - Mother’s surgery
Nasima (37) needs gynaecological surgery to restore her strength and ability to work. Supporting this procedure, which costs 406 EUR, could transform the entire family's situation. - Education for Ibrahim and Yasin
Brothers Ibrahim (16) and Yasin (14) have the opportunity to return to school. Monthly family support of 100–125 EUR would enable them to resume their studies while continuing to help their family with part-time work.
Become part of their journey to a better future
With your support, Ibrahim and his brother Yasin could return to school one day, Mariam could receive a quality education, and their mother Nasima could recover and find work.
There are millions of children and families like this in Bangladesh. Join us in this challenge and help us to change their lives. Your help could lead to stability, hope and success. Be a gift to their better future.
Become part of their story, turning it from one of struggle to one of victory.
Thank you for helping the children of Chalantika slum!
