Esara and school supplies provided by the Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid
By Abdullah Al Fahad, immediate past president, Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid, Bangladesh
Esara is a seven-year-old girl who lives in the Habiganj district of Bangladesh with her mother. She lost her father three years ago when he was killed in a traffic accident. They live on the income of her mother, who barely makes enough to put food on the table.
After the death of her father, Esara couldn’t attend school because they had no money for school fees, supplies, transportation, etc. She became so upset after leaving school that she lost all interest in learning. That’s when her situation caught the attention of our Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid.
Club members assured her mother that they would pay for the expenses of allowing Esara to return to school. When she heard the news, Esara jumped for joy and a beautiful smile unfolded across her face. Her mother was so happy she thanked the club over and over for giving her daughter this opportunity.
We all know how critical reading and writing are for success in life. Basic Education and Literacy is one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Enhancing literacy reduces poverty, improves health, encourages economic and community development, and promotes peace.
An educated person is more likely to develop better moral and ethical values as compared to an uneducated person. Lack of education creates problems including superstition, domestic violence, poor health, and poor living standards. Education is an integral part of human society. And gender equality in education contributes to a better, more just society.