Shawon’s story is one of resilience and hope. Born in a small village near Dhaka, Shawon’s family faced economic struggles. His father, a day laborer, and his mother, a homemaker, lived with very little income. At the age of 10, when his father fell ill and could no longer work, Shawon felt the heavy responsibility of financially supporting his family. Despite his young age, he joined a tea stall, working long hours and often losing out on the joys of childhood.
Amidst the work and pressure, Shawon’s life became engulfed in a childhood-deprived environment. He had little time for school, and his dreams of a better future seemed to fade away with each passing day. But then, an opportunity for change appeared.
International Needs Bangladesh launched an informal education initiative for child laborers. The goal was to offer education alongside their work, making learning accessible even for children trapped in labor. Shawon, though initially skeptical, enrolled in the program after much encouragement from his family and peers.
The informal education sessions were held after work, where children like Shawon could attend classes at a nearby center. The education program was designed to meet the needs of working children, offering flexible schedules and practical lessons. Shawon began learning basic literacy, mathematics, and life skills that could help him in the future. Slowly but surely, his world expanded beyond the confines of the tea stall.
The facilitators were compassionate and understanding, acknowledging the difficult circumstances these children lived under. They taught in ways that kept the children engaged, using visual aids and real-world examples. Shawon, who had struggled with basic math and reading before, began to make significant progress. He found joy in learning, something he had never experienced before.
More importantly, Shawon gained a newfound confidence in himself. Within a year, Shawon’s academic performance improved, and he began helping his younger siblings with their studies at home. Education provided him with a sense of direction and hope, giving him the belief that he could one day pursue a better life. Although he still worked at the tea stall, Shawon now dreamed of becoming a teacher or a social worker to help other children like him escape the cycle of poverty and labor.
Shawon’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, even in the most difficult circumstances. His journey, shaped by the efforts of informal education programs, highlights the importance of providing learning opportunities for children marginalized by child labor. Through such programs, Shawon not only gained knowledge but also found a new sense of purpose. With the support of International Needs Bangladesh, every child has the potential to rise above their circumstances and build a brighter future.
He is grateful to International Needs for being a vital part of breaking the chains of oppression and guiding him toward a better life.