Ray of hope for dropout students of char area

Children who have dropped out of school in the 16 riverine areas of Kurigram district are receiving educational support through the ‘Shaplar Pathshala’ initiative. These children in remote areas face considerable educational challenges due to their isolated locations and challenging living conditions.

Many of these kids drop out of school, particularly young girls, who are at risk of early marriage. The region's inhabitants also grapple with poverty and natural disasters, relying on boats and rafts for transportation during floods.

To make ends meet, many children work as laborers and fishermen or take on odd jobs far from home. Despite their parents' desire for education, they often lack the resources to send their kids to proper schools, perpetuating illiteracy and other problems like malnutrition and limited healthcare access.

In Char Purbo Damalgram of Fander Char, located near the Dudkumari River, a glimmer of hope has emerged through the efforts of Shahidul and Shapla, a dedicated couple committed to bringing education to these char children. Their journey began in August 2022 with just a few students in an abandoned room, creating the "Fander Char Non-Government Primary

Education Center." With dedication, the school expanded and was renamed "Shaplar Pathshala."

Students like Loboni Khatun, Sadia Akhter, Arzina Akhter, and Hena Khatun recall their past when they couldn't attend school due to lack of facilities. Now, they're fully engaged in their studies, aiming to become educated members of society. Boys like Nazmul Islam and Rubel Hossain have also found new hope, no longer forced into child labor.

Razia Begum, a guardian, expressed gratitude for the new school, as there was no educational institution on the char previously. The existing primary school was far away, requiring risky river crossings. Now, her child can attend Shahidul and Shapla's school. Another guardian, Abdur Rahim, mentioned that the lack of schools had compelled them to involve their children in household chores.

Shapla Akhter shared her immense satisfaction in contributing to Char area students' education alongside her husband, Shahidul. She expressed her heartfelt desire for young learners to succeed in their educational journey. These initiatives are bringing light to the lives of Char area children who were once left in the shadows of neglect and hardship.