Ibrahim - difficult childhood does not discourage me
Ibrahim is an 11-year-old boy, a third grader who does not come from a happy family. His father Mamun's failing health, exacerbated by his addiction to drugs and cigarettes, harms everyone else - Ibrahim, his brother Yeasin, his little sister, and his mother Nasima. Despite his rough childhood, however, Ibrahim pursues his big dream. What dream is it and what motivates him the most? Read on.
The family is originally from the Barisal region of southern Bangladesh. Like thousands of others from rural areas, they came to Dhaka for a better life in the city. Nasima is Mamun's second wife. They got married after Mamun left his ex-wife. However, Ibrahim's parents' life together did not start happily either; their first child, Ibrahim's older brother Zubair, died at the age of three.
Ibrahim (in the middle) with his family
Mamun fell ill and stopped working due to physical weakness and general disinterest in his family. When little Ibrahim was three years old, his father kidnapped him and forced him to beg on the street with him. For several months they lived in great poverty. Ibrahim stopped developing normally, he stopped growing (that's why he is smaller than children of the same age even today). He still has very bad memories of that time.
What is admirable, however, is that he does not hate his father. Moreover, he is his greatest motivation to study. "I am studying to have a chance to get a better job and a better life than the one we live in the slum. My biggest dream is to become a doctor, I want to help my dad. And, of course, other people who don't have money for even basic medical care," Ibrahim explains. Mrs. Shilpi, the teacher, says of him, "He is a really diligent student. He has a chance to achieve a better future. I really wish him well!"
Ibrahim teaching his little sister
For a long time, the whole family has been supported only by his mother Nasima. She works in the homes of families outside the slum, where she sometimes brings in meat or fish for extra help. She manages to earn 5,000 taka (less than CZK 1,300) a month. Of this, 2,000 is swallowed up by rent, 1,500 by food, 500 by loan repayments, and 500 by medical expenses. There is not much left for other things. If it weren't for the Chalantika project, Ibrahim would probably have a hard time getting into school.
Nasima says: "Since I couldn't study on my own, I would like to give this opportunity to my children at least. I am grateful to Adra for teaching the children, providing food and medical care for Ibrahim. Moreover, thanks to Chalantika, I can attend literacy classes. At least I can catch up a little on what I missed when I was young," she smiles.
Playing with friends :)
Ibrahim is grateful to his mother, he knows it is not easy. He tries to help as much as he can, like with cooking or housework. The staff at the Chalantika centre also see him as a responsible, always cheerful, and friendly boy. "He helps with handing out food and is willing to lend a hand where needed," says the teacher.
And what interesting things has Ibrahim learnt at school? Apart from the usual subjects like his favourite Bengali, he got used to wearing shoes and following hygiene habits. Skills that we take for granted, but not the slum children who have no one to impart them to. But even such seemingly small things can change lives, help prevent the spread of disease. And not just for the children at the centre, but for the people in the neighbourhood who learn it from them.
Ibrahim started going to school on time, got used to studying regularly, and day by day, with small steps, he is getting closer to fulfilling his dream. "I want to take this chance to lift our whole family out of poverty so I can build them a better house outside the slum." We very much wish him that this determination lasts and one day he will see it fulfilled!
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