Meet Minara*

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.

There is a love and connection between this mother and daughter that reminded me of the relationship I had with my mother. They laugh together, pull together, and Rahima’s dream is that her two girls will have a better life than she has.  

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.

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