On the traffic-choked streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, three-wheeled “vans” weave through the gridlock. It’s dangerous, grueling, low-paying work. Riya’s father is among them. Being a van driver is one of the only ways he can make money as a migrant for his family of seven. Yet despite his efforts, it rarely provides enough. The budget for school supplies is often the first cut.
When this happened in the past, Riya struggled to keep up at school. She missed class and her mental health took a turn. She described feeling “worried” and “unhappy,” convinced that living as a poor family was like a disease to society.
That’s when our partners connected with her. They gave Riya a backpack filled to the zipper with notebooks, pencils, a ruler, and more. Physically, it was school supplies for a year. Emotionally, it was a renewal of hope.
Riya is back in school today. Her family says she’s changed, noting the smile on her face. Riya describes herself as very happy and motivated to attend class, do her homework, and even help her siblings with their studies. Meanwhile, her parents are enjoying a moment of relief. With school supplies provided, they can finally save a little this year.
The best news is that thanks to the backpack slung proudly over her shoulders, Riya is thinking ahead. Not just to next year, but beyond—toward her future.
Riya dreams of becoming a teacher.
That way, she says, she can help more families like hers and change her community from within.