Success Stories
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Life changes of
Tanjina Moni
Najirartek in Cox's Bazar gained reputable recognition as a hub for dried fish production. Children are easily exploited as laborers in this industry due to the low cost associated with their employment. Typically, both parents and children prioritize work over education due to the challenging circumstances they face. There is a lack of opportunity for education. Tanjina Moni, a 14 years old girl from this area, was set to finish her education. She enrolled in grade-1 at a remote Madrasha to begin her primary education since her mother was interested. However, she suffered an accident that fractured her right hand before the school year ended. She missed two years of school and didn't have enough money for treatment, moreover, they were not able to enroll in other schools due to the financial crisis. After some days, she came to know that there was a school established in their area by Mukti Cox’s Bazar where education was free of cost. The teachers visited their homes to conduct survey work. She was admitted to Mukti School in the first grade in 2020 with her mother's permission. According to her, the facilities and quality of education elsewhere were nowhere near that of Mukti School. Here, English is taught in a very well-explained manner. Teaching is done through a projector with digital contents, which are very understandable and enjoyable at the same time. There are facilities for other co-curricular activities, including sports, that were not available in earlier schools. Carrom, Ludo, and skipping are all fun games to enjoy, as are many outdoor games, including swings, sliders, etc. In addition to her education, these pursuits give her mental fulfillment. She really enjoys Playday on every Thursday where they teach drawing. She won the 2nd prize in the National Children's Day drawing competition on March 17, 2024. She has already participated 5 to 6 times in MojaKids (the digital newsletter). She stated, "I won prizes for dancing in the annual sports & picnic in the last two years. I also secured first place in a running competition. I had possibilities from the school to engage in everything and win prizes. I received the guidance and assistance I needed from my teachers to succeed in everything.” Her mother always encouraged her to study attentively and take part in all competitions. If she does not receive the reward, it is fine but participation is important. She is proficient at dancing and drawing. Furthermore, she leads the school through the Child Council and says, "I wouldn't have been able to study without Mukti School. This school provided me the opportunity to grow up and to think positively about my future. I want to be a doctor when I grow up and complete my studies.” Her interests and the school environment contribute to her development as a talented girl. She has excellent academic performance and regular attendance at school. She always steps forward when invited to join in an event or Mojakids. Tanjina Moni, is now a student of class five and a child council representative at her school, made a really well-considered suggestion about planting and caring for trees. She believes that although new trees are planted every year, the trees eventually die because of the high tide's saline water seeping into her schoolyard. She tends to care for the planted trees with great attention. She suggested that if we plant fifty (50) saplings every year, and look after them, our environment will be safe. So, we should plant more trees to save the environment. The students may eventually leave the school, but until then, they can affirm, "My tree, my responsibility." Her unique idea was appreciated and adopted by the teachers and project officials. Her mother, Manwara Begum, also said, "Mukti School has taken responsibility for the education of my two children. I am illiterate, but I want my daughters to be upstanding in society. I am willing to do whatever it takes for everyone to continue their studies.” Tanjina’s mother is employed in the dry fish production sector in Najirartek where Tanjina occasionally helps her at work. Tanjila’s mother says that her daughter is growing up and it's not the right time to take her outside for work. Local people make bad comments. She still needs to ask her daughter for assistance when she doesn’t feel well. Tanjina assists her mother in figuring out the amount of her wages. She taught her mother how to sign and assisted his younger brother in his studies on a regular basis. Her speaking is improving and she is a pioneer.
The success story of Kulsuma Akhtar, who overcame penury
Kulsuma Akhtar- (28), wife of Noor Hosan, a day laborer lives at Sikdar Para village of Hnila Union, Teknaf. Although Nur Hosan was a day laborer, their family was happy and peaceful. After 02 years of having children, their stepmother and brothers kicked them out of the house. The crisis of a seemingly happy family started from there. On the one hand, the price hike of daily goods was making it difficult to survive, on the other hand, the rental house must stay. -- That was how their family began to suffer. In July 2017, a son came to their family as a new guest. On the one hand, the family expenses including the additional expenses of the children were on the rise, on the other hand, due to the rise of Rohingya laborers, the income has stopped. Kulsuma sold the jewelry given to her by her father and bought a house from Rasullabad village shelter scheme for BDT 25,000 from BDT 40,000. She started the business with the remaining BDT 15,000 But fate was not on her side. She could not succeed in business. Due to various reasons, she again lost capital. Their family continued starving. Another problem started in Kulsuma's family. Suddenly her husband started experiencing mental health issues and almost lost control. It was not easy for Kulsuma to work as a helping hand in people's houses to bear her husband's medical expenses and household expenses single handedly. In October 2023, Kulsuma came to know that Mukti Cox's Bazar would provide training on skill development. Kulsuma completed all the process and put her name there. After that, Kulsuma received a total of 06 days of training on handicrafts- making Nakshi Katha, Block Batik, and Sewing from Mukti Cox's Bazar. She also received input support from Mukti Cox's Bazar after the training. She started working with this support and continued to receive support from various quarters for her work. She found out that Nakshi Katha, and block batik works are very popular in her area. Slowly the people of the area started buying her products. Kulsuma's income increased. This is how Kulsuma found her lost happiness holding the hand of Mukti Cox's Bazar. Kulsuma started raising chickens along with making handicrafts. There are more beneficiaries of the same project in Mukti Cox's Bazar next to Kulsuma who started vegetable gardening after seeing vegetable gardening of others in their homestead. Currently, she earns an average of Tk 4,000-5,000 per month from making Nakshi Katha, vegetable production and chicken rearing. Now Kulsuma no longer depends on others. She survives in society as a self-reliant woman. Kulsuma cried while expressing gratitude to Mukti Cox's Bazar. She thanked Mukti Cox's Bazar and Oxfam in Bangladesh.
Story of Jannatul Bakiya
Jannatul Bakiya, a bright and determined learner of Grade-2, is a shining example of resilience and dedication. Born to Abu Bokkor and Jannat Ara, Jannatul Bakiya’s journey of learning and growth unfolds at Mayabon Child Learning Center-2 in Camp-2E. In the recent learning status check held from March 19th to March 21st, 2024, Jannatul Bakiya’s hard work and commitment paid off. She scored remarkable results, reflecting not only her intelligence but also the unwavering support and encouragement from her parents and teachers. Abu Bokkor and Jannat Ara have always prioritized their daughter's education despite the challenging circumstances. They believe that education is the key to a better future for Jannatul Bakiya and their belief has been validated through her recent achievements. At Mayabon Child Learning Center-2, Jannatul Bakiya is known for her eagerness to learn and her active participation in class activities. Her teachers commend her curiosity and her ability to grasp new concepts quickly. Jannatul Bakiya's favorite subjects include Mathematics and English, where she particularly excels, often helping her classmates understand complex topics. Jannatul Bakiya’s success story is not just about her academic performance but also about her growth as a confident and capable young girl. She is an inspiration to her peers, demonstrating that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, one can achieve great things. As Jannatul Bakiya continues her educational journey, her story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for other children in the camp. She reminds us all that even in the most challenging environments, the power of education can transform lives and pave the way for a brighter future. Jannatul Bakiya's achievement in the latest learning status check is a testament to her perseverance and the collective efforts of her family and educators. With continued support, there is no doubt that she will continue to soar to greater heights, making her family, the Learning Facility, and community proud.
Jahanara Begum changes her life by Artemia cultivation
Jahanara Begum has established herself as a successful Tilapia fish farmer. The journey of Jahanara Begum revealing herself as a successful pond fish farmer who was a housewife of a salt-farmer family from Boro Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar is an inspiring story. Since 1996, Jahanara and her family of 6 persons have been living by traditional fish farming and producing unrefined salt in their 100 Decimal land in Fakiraghata for decades. Before fish farming, her salt business was gradually becoming non-profitable for the last three years which was leading them towards a harsh life with a financial crisis. For this reason, she started to look for opportunities to help her family. In 2023, Jahanara decided to start fish farming in pond to gain profit when she learned about that by participating in a seminar organized by Artemia4Bangladesh project. This became a revolutionary idea for her as sufficient reservoir density, sufficient food, water quality and management of the pond made it profitable and long-lasting. In 2023, Jahanara initiated her fish farming on a 202 square meter pond and produced 89 kilograms of fish. Jahanara kept fish for the family and earned a good amount of money by selling the remaining fish to the neighboring farmers and to the nearest market by the help of her husband that made his family an extra source of earning. This primary success inspired her, and she attended workshops more and more so that she could make profit from the production in 2024. The transformation of Jahanara from a housewife of a salt farmer family to a successful pond fish farmer did not turn out be a waste. Her work inspired many salt-farmer families and made pond fish farming technique an effective and profitable income source. The local women who used to be salt-farmers were anxious about the drawbacks of traditional salt production and could not find alternative way out are now finding light of hope from Jahanara's success. The success of Jahanara proves that having expertise and planning, women can change the fate of their family besides doing household chores. They may convey the light of hope to their communities and open the door of new possibilities. Her choice of farming fish in a pond in a developed way is being considered as a new invention and self-reliable project. She added, “The effort of cultivating fish on the pond proves that it can contribute to the family income and self-reliance.”
Story of Yasmin
Yasmin Ara is a 14-year-old Rohingya girl. For the last 7 years, she has been living with her parents and siblings at camp-1W. For the past 7 years, she has been experiencing that their house drowns during the monsoon. The house was flooded this year too. Fortunately, she is a 2022 batch graduate Girl Shine teenager from Adolescents and Youth Center. She knew that Mukti cox’s Bazar provides shelter to the flood affected people in their facilities, so she informed her family. As they had no choices left, they took shelter at Mukti Cox's Bazar Adolescents and Youth Center. She stayed there for a few days, and had a wonderful time with everyone. Although she came to this center before for Girl Shine sessions, this time her purpose and experience were different. There was a separate security system for women and girls. When she was at home, she was always busy with tasks such as assisting her mother in housework, taking care of younger brothers and sisters, etc. But here in the center, she didn’t have any pressure of work. She just played games with other girls and spent time gossiping & chatting with other adolescent girls. She also came to know many things about disaster management from the awareness sessions of the Mukti staff. It was a very enjoyable time in the shelter. Although everyone, including Yasmin, was worried about the condition of the house and the flood situation. But the atmosphere at the center helped ease their tension through indoor games and other activities. She had access to safe washroom facilities there. Many in need have been able to collect menstrual kits and first aid support from this center. Food is arranged in coordination with WFP. From these days, Yasmin has realized that people also need enjoyment to be happy in their lives. So, I would like to say that, I found a little piece of happiness while I was sheltered at the A&YC and felt relaxed and assured during this disaster period.
Yaesmin receives a dignity kit to support her health and hygiene. Participating in the Girls Shine program has helped her advocate to return to education. For many girls in conservative communities, education comes to a halt with the onset of menstruation — a stark reality for Yaesmin Bibi* (14), who lives in a camp for displaced Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. At the age of 13, as menstruation became part of her life, cultural norms dictated that she stops her education and redirect her focus toward household responsibilities. Early marriage was looming on the horizon and her parents restricted her from going outside. But Yaesmin's life took a positive turn when she learned about a Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) from her neighborhood friends. Girls at the WGSS learned about social networks and self-confidence to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as well as other life skills, and she wanted to take part.
"I was surprised and nervous, but later felt happy to see the girls like me. I felt safe," Yaesmin said, reflecting on her first time at the space. Yaesmin graduated after completing the Girls Shine curriculum. Following an enlightening awareness session, the WGSS Facilitator introduced her and others to the Girls Shine group. Girls Shine is an evidence-based curriculum that has been designed to contribute to improved prevention and response to violence against adolescent girls in humanitarian settings. The program provides them with skills and knowledge to identify types of GBV and seek support services if they experience it or are at risk. The adapted curriculum covers six core topics (trust, social and emotional skills, health and hygiene, safety, solidarity and visioning), with 25 sessions for girls and 14 sessions for their caregivers. The knowledge acquired from Girls Shine profoundly impacted Yaesmin, offering her insights for her individual growth and on her community. Fueled by her positive transformation, Yaesmin proactively invited other teenage girls from her community to join. She also actively shared the learnings from the Girls Shine curriculum on issues such as early marriage with her family and peers. "I shared everything that I learned here with my mother. My mother also felt interested in visiting WGSS and started coming often," Yaesmin said. Motivated by Yaesmin's advocacy, her parents began attending the Girls Shine Group sessions for caregivers. Through these discussions, they realized the adverse effects of early marriage and the significance of a supportive environment for teenage girls like Yaesmin to lead happy and prosperous lives. Consequently, they agreed to allow Yaesmin to resume her education. She is now studying in class six, driven by a newfound passion. She aspires to work at WGSS in the future, spreading the transformative power of education and community engagement. "Now I know about trust building, my body boundaries, decision making, and safety aping, and planning. I can lead sessions too, which I learned from the mentoring curriculum," Yaesmin said. Her journey from awareness to advocacy is a testament to the positive impact of education and community engagement in transforming lives. The Girls Shine Curriculum and Women and Girls’ Safe Spaces are supported through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response in Bangladesh, implemented by CARE Bangladesh and Mukti Cox’s Bazar.
Supporting girls in Bangladesh to change norms and shine on
Dildar Begum is now self-reliant
Dildar Begum (52) is the daughter of late Md. Soltan Ahmed and Amina Khatun. Her husband and she, mother of 03 daughters and 04 sons lives at the Bhootpara village under Fotekharkul union in Ramu. Dildar's 09 family members were dependent on her husband. Bearing the educational expenses of their 08 children by working as a laborer was almost impossible for him which increased unhappiness due to domestic fights and troubles. The Chad samiti of the NGO Mukti Cox’s Bazar branch was just beside Dildar's home. One day, she went there and talked to the samiti's loan employee about her situation. In 2016, after she was done with all the terms and conditions, she was given a loan of 20,000 taka for vegetable farming. Dildar started cultivating different vegetables on her house yard besides her working husband. An opportunity was created to repay the loan in installments with the profits, allowing her to simultaneously meet her family’s nutritional needs. Thus, it became easier for her to cover the educational expenses of her children from her husband’s income. Dildar paid all the debts in time and again took a loan of 50,000 taka. With the big sum of investment there, Dildar was no longer bound at homestead farming. She started cultivating vegetables on the field too. This time, besides paying the installments, she helped her husband bear the family expenses. After figuring out the advantages of vegetable farming and a big income from low investment, her husband left his job and started farming with his wife by taking BDT 100,000 loan again from Mukti Cox’s Bazar. That's how Dildar Begum's vegetable production started to grow, she paid the loan from the profit earned from the sold vegetables and found an opportunity to secure a certain savings as well. She is currently cultivating 04 acres of land by the loan money of 230,000 taka taken from Ramu Branch of Mukti Cox’s Bazar on 10 June 2024. The harvested goods include sugarcane, rice, and taro. She married off her 03 daughters and sent 02 of her sons abroad. Dildar Begum’s family is now solvent and self-reliant.
Lal Mia’s Journey to Recovery and Stability
Lal Mia, a fisherman from Paschim Para village in Chowfaldandi Union, Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazila, had no ancestral wealth except his home. He and his wife, Shahina, worked hard to support their family, dreaming of educating their children, though they remained childless. Lal Mia built a small fishing boat with their earnings, but a severe road accident left him bedridden and forced to sell Shahina’s jewelry to cover medical expenses.
Unable to do heavy work, Lal Mia took a loan from Mukti Cox’s Bazar and started buying and selling dried fish, earning Tk 350-400 daily. As he aged, he developed eye problems but couldn’t afford treatment, further reducing his income. Fortunately, as a health card holder under the ENRICH program, he received regular free medical services. In 2023-2024, a special eye camp diagnosed him with cataracts, and with support from PKSF and Mukti Cox’s Bazar, he underwent free cataract surgery. Now, with restored vision, Lal Mia continues to sell dried fish, managing his family’s expenses and living happily. He expressed deep gratitude to Mukti Cox’s Bazar for transforming his life.
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