Sinha: The smile of a future doctor
Eight-year-old Sinha lives in the Calantika slum on the outskirts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Despite the difficult conditions she faces, she remains optimistic and almost always has a smile on her face. She dreams of becoming a doctor one day – not because of the prestige of the profession, but above all because she wants to help poor people in her community.
A home made of bamboo and corrugated iron
Life in the slum is not easy for a family of eight. Sinha shares a small room made of bamboo and corrugated iron with her parents and three sisters. The family shares two communal bathrooms with eight other families.
The family tries to make ends meet on the 10,000 taka (approximately £75) her father earns each month as a small trader. Breakfast is usually just tea and bread, while lunch and dinner consist of rice. Their expenses often exceed their income, yet her parents are determined to give their daughters what they themselves never had.
Parents who never had the chance to study
Both of Sinha’s parents come from poor backgrounds and never had the opportunity to receive even a basic education. Yet they instil strong values in their daughter and understand how important education is in life.
“I could not study or learn anything that would have enabled me to earn a living. But I want my daughter to study, become independent and meet honest people in life,” says Sinha’s mother. “I am grateful to ADRA for supporting my daughter.”
School as a safe haven
A turning point in Sinha’s life came in 2022, when she joined the Calantika Education Centre run by ADRA. The centre provides her with a safe place to learn and develop.
Alongside school subjects, her favourites being Bengali and reading books, she also learns about health, hygiene and good habits. In the classroom, Sinha is known for being polite, conscientious and always willing to help her teacher. Her friends Jannat and Ria are her constant companions – they enjoy studying, playing and having lunch together.
A journey towards a big dream
Sinha knows that education can change her life and the future of her whole family. She wants to learn, fulfil her dream and one day help people in her community.
Her journey towards that dream has only just begun.
Help children in the slum achieve their dreams
Thanks to the Calantika project, children like Sinha have a safe place to learn, nutritious food and a chance of a better future. Support Calantika and give children the gift of education.
Thank you!
