Rubina Khatun

Shikharchandi Nagar stands as one of the largest slums in the city. Here, the majority of residents, predominantly men, labor in construction while women engage in collecting waste materials. Adolescents in this community seldom attend school, with many discontinuing their education to care for younger siblings while their parents work to sustain the family. Girls, spend much of their teenage years managing household tasks and caring for siblings, often shouldering additional responsibilities to contribute to the family income. Consequently, numerous educational challenges arise in this area.

For the past 30 years, Rubina Khatun’s family has lived in Shikarchandi Nagar. Her father earns a living as a daily laborer, while her mother is involved in rag picking. Rubina has two brothers and two sisters. Financial difficulties forced Rubina to halt her education after completing the 6th grade. The Enlight team met Rubina during a door-to-door survey and, after learning about her circumstances and her desire for educational support, convinced her parents to enroll Rubina in both the government school and at the Enlight CSC.

With the guidance of the CSC supervisor and encouragement from fellow children at the center, Rubina started to excel academically. Her parents were delighted to witness their daughter’s progress and provided active support, boosting Rubina’s confidence even more. She began attending school consistently and actively engaged in CSC activities. Before long, Rubina emerged as one of the most diligent and motivated children at the center, serving as a source of inspiration for others. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Rubina became known for her supportive nature.

The extracurricular activities organized at the CSC contributed to the comprehensive growth of the children. Rubina displayed a strong passion for sports and music, while also honing soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and time management. These skills are invaluable, not only for her academic success but also for her future endeavors in life.

Rubina’s accomplishments have served as a source of inspiration for many in the community, motivating them to prioritize education. She epitomizes the potential that can be unlocked when children from underserved backgrounds are provided with opportunities and the necessary support. Rubina’s journey underscores the importance of initiatives designed to facilitate access to quality education for children from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. The transformative outcomes of such programs can profoundly impact not only the children themselves but also their families.