Bangladesh - "The small-framed girl weaves through the mass of bodies bustling along a congested sidewalk. Her dark almond-shaped eyes dart from person to person, choosing a subject. She approaches a woman and tugs on her sleeve, extending a small, dirty palm and uttering in a childish, imploring voice: 'Sister, give me two taka (2 1/2 cents).'from Holding Out A Hand
This expression to me is Minara*. She has an impish smile, a captivating manner and a loving spirit.
A few months ago I had the privilege of meeting Minara, a 9
year-old girl, her mother Rahima* and her little baby sister Sakehna*. They beg for a living and live in one
small room in a crowded slum. They welcomed me into their home, their lives and
offered me generous and gentle hospitality.
When Rahima told us that she has no dreams left for herself my heart
broke. She still has hope for her two daughters. Rahima knows the only way to change her
daughters’ future is through education, but she can’t afford it. Minara still
dreams of a better life — she wants to be a teacher one day (or maybe even a
doctor she said).
"My hope and dream is to give a better education and environment for my children - to help them to become good women," Rahima says quietly.
"My hope and dream is to give a better education and environment for my children - to help them to become good women," Rahima says quietly.
For one year, Minara was
able to attend the Light of Hope Learning Center — a day shelter that gives
underprivileged girls education, health care, life skills and moral
instruction, — but due to the center’s lack of funding, staff and resources,
she and other girls under 13 can no longer attend.
As a result of the elementary school program suspension, Minara has since resumed begging with her mother.
I want to share a glimpse
with you into their lives. www.commissionstories.org
*names changed
