Shondha
(Mohakhali Sattala Slum, Dhaka)
Shondha is the eldest among three siblings. At just 10 years old, she already carries a quiet strength shaped by her family’s struggles. Her younger brother is 4, and her little sister only 2. Because the children are so young, their mother is unable to work outside the home, even though she previously had a job in a garments factory. She now stays at home to care for them full-time. The family relies solely on the father’s income from driving a mini bus, which brings in about 400 taka a day. Meeting the household’s daily needs with this limited income is extremely difficult, and education expenses add another heavy burden. Shondha is currently in Class 3 at I.P.H. School, but her school fees and exam fees for the last six months remain unpaid. Financial hardship has also made it impossible for her to attend private tuition, which many children her age rely on. Tragedy has also touched the family. Four years ago, Shondha’s elder sister passed away from dengue, leaving her parents deeply heartbroken and even more determined to protect and provide for their remaining children. Despite their efforts, the weight of all responsibilities on a single income makes life very challenging. A sponsorship could lift a significant part of this burden, allowing Shondha to continue her education without interruption and giving her parents the peace of mind to focus on the overall well-being and growth of their children.