Hasan: When I grow up, I will catch all the thieves

When Hasan was six years old, someone stole the new clothes his family had bought. For his family living in a slum in Dhaka, it was a heavy blow – they had no money to buy new ones. But Hasan took a big dream from the experience: when he grows up, he wants to become a police officer.

“I was really angry because we didn't have money to buy more. When I grow up, I'm going to catch all the thieves so they can't steal anything anymore,” says eight-year-old Hasan today.

It is a childhood dream that reflects a reality Hasan knows all too well. But thanks to the opportunity to go to school, he now has a real chance to make his dream come true.

When even a steady job brought no security

Years ago, Hasan’s parents, Delowar and Shilpi, left their small village in southern Bangladesh for the capital, Dhaka. They hoped to find steady work in the big city and secure an education for their children.

However, life in the city only brought more obstacles. Chalantika is not the first slum the family has lived in. For fifteen years, his parents have been trying to find a safe and dignified place to live. Two years ago, they settled in Chalantika after both secured jobs as cleaners for the municipal authorities.

But that stability didn't last long. After a few months, they were pressured to pay a bribe of 60,000 Bangladeshi taka (around €650) to keep their jobs. For the family, this represented roughly twenty times their monthly rent at the time.

They had to leave their jobs. His father bought a cargo rickshaw with money borrowed from a loan shark and is now paying off the debt step by step. His mother cleans households and takes on occasional odd jobs. Neither parent ever attended school; both are illiterate. Their only dream is to save enough money to buy a small piece of land in their home village and one day return there.

A chance his parents never had

Hasan has thrived at the Chalantika Centre right from the start. His teachers say he is very intelligent, a quick learner with an excellent memory. He enjoys maths the most, but he also shows musical talent – quietly humming to himself while counting and writing.

In his free time, he likes playing with friends, enjoys football, decorating the family home, and watching cartoons at the centre. Alongside reading and arithmetic, he is learning social skills and respect for others at school. Saying hello and thank you has become second nature to him.

Hasan is a pillar of support at home too

Hasan is an important pillar of support for his whole family. He fetches water for his mother, helps in the kitchen, and regularly looks after his younger brother. His reward is usually his favourite meal – rice with lentils and vegetables. While rice is the staple of almost every meal at home, Hasan receives a more varied diet at the Chalantika Centre, where he especially enjoys fresh fruit.

The centre’s support doesn't stop with Hasan, either. Following her son’s example, his mother Shilpi also started attending adult literacy classes at the centre.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity the Chalantika Centre gives our family. I can sign my name now. Hasan is receiving an education, medical care, and nutritious meals. We are very happy about it,” says Shilpi, proudly watching her son in his school uniform.

A single school desk can transform a whole family's future

Hasan’s story isn't just about going to school. He is getting the chance to develop his talents, receive an education, and access healthcare and nutritious meals. Thanks to the centre, his mother is learning to read and write, giving the whole family greater hope for the future.

Hasan doesn't know exactly where life will take him yet. But he has a clear goal – he wants to help and protect others. And he has already taken the first crucial step: he is going to school.

Help children get the chance Hasan received

Every child deserves the chance to go to school and believe in their dreams. By supporting the Chalantika Centre regularly, you give children in the slums not only an education, but also better nutrition, healthcare, and a safe space to grow.