Afrin Akter Mim
(Mirpur 12 Slum, Dhaka)
Afrin is the eldest of three sisters. Her youngest sister is only three months old, and because of the newborn baby, Afrin’s mother is unable to work outside the home. As a result, the entire responsibility of the family rests on her father’s shoulders. Afrin’s father struggles to earn a living by selling ginger and garlic door to door, and at times by doing daily labor when work is available. These jobs are irregular, and his income is unstable and unpredictable. Managing the family’s daily expenses with such uncertain earnings is extremely difficult. During the birth of Afrin’s youngest sister, her mother developed several serious health problems. The cost of treatment forced the family into debt, which they have still not been able to repay. Along with repaying medical loans, Afrin’s education expenses have become an added burden for the family. A sponsorship would lift a great weight from her father’s shoulders, ensuring that Afrin’s education can continue without constant worry and giving the family some much-needed relief and hope.