C T Online Desk: From the distant riverine areas of Batikamari and Pagla pastures in Gaibandha, Rupali Khatun and Nurunnahar Khatun embarked on a remarkable journey. These two 17-year-old girls, hailing from the Char region, participated in the SSC examination this year at a school established by the private development organization Friendship.
Their accomplishments took them even further as they became the first students from the Char area to attend the esteemed “European Youth Event” held in France on June 6. Organized by the European Union Parliament, the conference provided a global exchange platform.
Returning home on June 18, Rupali and Nurunnahar shared their awe-inspiring experience, life struggles, and future aspirations with Dhaka Tribune.
Courtesy Expressing her gratitude, Rupali acknowledged Friendship for granting her this unique opportunity, stating: “If Friendship hadn’t given me this chance, I might have never stepped foot abroad. The cherished dream of witnessing the outside world would have remained unfulfilled.”
She continued: “I gained this opportunity through the Interactive Connectivity Project at Friendship School in Batikamari. Since 2021, I have been actively involved in this project, participating in various events where we discussed weather and climate-related topics.”
The European Youth Event saw the participation of young individuals from different countries worldwide. French climate activists answered their inquiries, engaging in fruitful discussions on weather and climate.
Rupali reflected on her experience: “French activists used to enlighten us, answering our questions from afar. We also engaged in collaborative group work centered around weather and climate.”
The experience of venturing abroad for the first time holds a unique significance for anyone, and Rupali and Nurunnahar were no exception. They had the privilege of exploring various places in France, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Nurunnahar echoed Rupali’s sentiments of gratitude, emphasizing the transformative power of collective effort: “Alone, it would have been impossible for me to share such an experience from a remote area. I am grateful to Friendship for providing me with this opportunity. Since 2021, they selected me based on my involvement in Friendship’s ‘ICP Interschool Connectivity’ project, granting me this remarkable chance. Through activists’ speeches in France, I gained a deeper understanding of climate issues. The presence of individuals aged 16 to 30 from different countries added to the event’s richness.”
Their individual stories of struggle are both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Nurunnahar, familiar with the harsh realities of life, witnessed firsthand the challenges her sick father and primary school teacher mother faced. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “In our Char area, there were no schools. Girls were often married off after completing primary education until the fifth grade. The lack of nearby secondary schools made pursuing further education an unattainable dream. However, since establishing Friendship School, we have been blessed with educational opportunities. I appeared for the SSC exams and even had the chance to travel abroad.”
Rupali, raised in a destitute farming family, understands the daily struggles accompanying such circumstances. She shared her experience: “We are a family of five siblings. Our father toiled as a disoriented farmer. Though he laboured tirelessly in the fields, the fruits of his labour rarely reached our mouths. Education seemed like a luxury beyond our reach.”
She continued: “I joined Friendship School at the age of seven. The school offered free education, covering all educational expenses. Despite pressure from my family to marry, the school’s teachers convinced them otherwise. Today, I stand here because of their unwavering support. My elder sister, too, could pursue her studies at Dhaka University thanks to Friendship School.”
In their own words, Rupali and Nurunnahar expressed gratitude for the transformative power of education provided by Friendship School. With access to multimedia projectors and video lectures from esteemed teachers in Dhaka, the light of education illuminated even the children of remote grasslands, igniting their dreams.
CourtesyNurunnahar aspires to become a teacher, following in her mother’s footsteps. She shared her vision: “I want to impart knowledge to children, offering them the opportunities I once yearned for. I aim to share the insights on climate change and environmental protection I gained abroad with everyone.”
Highlighting the impact of Friendship School, Nurunnahar added: “Many students from our school have secured opportunities in various universities and medical schools. Most notably, the prevalence of child marriages has significantly decreased.”
On the other hand, Rupali envisions a future in the legal profession. Their journey to France allowed them to witness the differences between the education systems of their home country and foreign nations. Drawing inspiration from this experience, they aim to utilize their newfound knowledge to protect the environment and advocate for climate change mitigation.
Rupali expressed her concerns: “Given the recurring climate change-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and river bursts, our lives have been significantly impacted. Our house has faced destruction from flooding six times, and erosion has forced us to relocate thirteen times. Our school, too, has succumbed to the river’s relentless force twice. Rebuilding after such devastation is expensive and arduous, pushing us to the brink of food insecurity.”
The advice these resilient young girls offer to fellow Char area children is simple yet profound – persevere in education despite the hardships and devise a future plan. They implore parents to reconsider marrying off their daughters at a young age, recognizing the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future.
The journey of Rupali and Nurunnahar stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream, even in the face of adversity. Their voyage from the remote Char region to a global stage has left an indelible mark on their lives, and they carry the aspirations of their community as they strive to make a difference.
