Tamanna Akhterused to live in the slums of Korail. Born into a family grappling with extreme poverty, her daily life was a constant battle to ensure food on the table. Her father Sakhawat and mother Zayeda were continuously struggling to make ends meet. Under such circumstances, going to school seemed like a luxury. But Tamanna had dreams -- she wanted to study, travel and build a better life for herself and her family.
Determined to break the cycle of adversity, Tamanna's family saw a ray of hope in JAAGO Foundation's free-of-cost education program in 2011, and then there was no going back. Tamanna went on to become one of JAAGO's brightest students, eventually securing a fully-funded scholarship to attend the prestigious UWC Dilijan College in Armenia, where she is now studying for an IB degree. She is committed to working towards the betterment of women in her community and supporting more people with the opportunities she received.
Reflecting on her journey, Tamanna, said, "My journey to UWC Dilijan has broadened my global perspective, exposing me to diverse cultures, ideas and viewpoints. I have become more adaptable, resilient, and open-minded, with the ability to blend into new academic and social environments. The challenges and opportunities I face here are contributing to my personal growth, and shaping my future aspirations and career goals.
Like Tamanna, many more children have been able to turn their dreams into reality through the JAAGO Foundation and similar organizations. The success of children in marginalized communities is strongly driven by partnerships and collaborations with local and international organizations, and corporate companies. The partnerships help to expand the educational programs, access additional resources, and create a wider impact in addressing the challenges facedby marginalized communities.
There is an old saying,"If you give a hungry man fish, you feed him for a day. But if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." In a similar manner, when one thinks of supporting underprivileged individuals, they mostly lean towards the materialistic forms of assistance as a basic charity practice. However, the more sustainable and impactful way to empower them is by providing continuous opportunities through education and other meaningful projects. And, these efforts are further amplified when they are backed by strategic collaborations and partnerships.
Take imo as an example. Driven by a sense of compassion, innovation and empowerment, imo collaborated with JAAGO Foundation in May of this year to support children in marginalized communities. imo donated to JAAGO Foundation which was used to provide education supplies to children from the Foundation's schools in more than 10 locations across Bangladesh.More than three thousand students were benefitted from this collaboration who often lack access to basic educational tools due to financial constraints. With the supplies, JAAGO students were able to take notes, complete assignments and engage in interactive learning activities, all of which are fundamental aspects of learning.
As the project fostered a sense of community and support among the young children, imo has been continuing its efforts of empowering children like Tamanna and helping them ensure a better future for themselves.By forging these strategic partnerships, JAAGO has been able to create sustainable solutions that address the needs of the local communities. Thanks to entities like imoand all partners with strong social responsibilities, the organization is being able to drive positive change and empower marginalized populations by education in Bangladesh.
Ayesha Siddiqua, Principal of JAAGO Foundation school in Banani, said, "Collaborations are the most impactful and effective means of elevating the quality of life for marginalized communities. With the support of partners like imo, our students can conquer their future journeys on the international stage while supporting their families, society, and their motherland."
The success stories of children like Tamanna demonstrate how crucial it is to provide the marginalized community with not just immediate aid but opportunities for long-term growth. It is clear that continued collaboration between organizations and public-private partnerships will be essential in the future to foster sustainable change and build a world where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to achieve their true potential.
