Mithila beats poverty to secure GPA-5 

SONARGAON, NARAYANGANJ, Aug 12:  Financial hardship could not stop Mithila Akter Puspa from securing a GPA-5 in this year's SSC examination. Unable to afford coaching or private tutors, she relied on regular study, determination and support from her teachers.
Mithila is a student of the Computer Science and Technology Department at Bahaual Haque Technical Institute in Sonargaon. Her father, Yayal Islam, works as a garment factory security guard, while her mother, Laily Akter, works at a garments factory.
The family lives in a rented house in Goaldi Khanbazar area of Sonargaon municipality. Meeting everyday expenses while paying for Mithila's education was often difficult for her parents.
Her mother said they sometimes struggled even to pay her school fees. As a result, Mithila could not attend coaching centres or take private lessons.
Despite the financial difficulties, Mithila remained focused on her studies. She regularly studied at home and sought help from teachers whenever she faced difficulties. She also attended classes regularly despite bad weather and often walked home.
Her teacher Sharmin Akter described Mithila as a responsible and regular student who was highly dedicated to her studies. Principal Laila Afroze said Mithila's success showed that good results were possible through regular attendance, attention in class and following teachers' guidance.
Mithila's parents are now happy with her result but worried about the cost of her higher education.
Mithila dreams of becoming a software engineer. She said her parents had made many sacrifices for her education and she wants to repay them by becoming successful.
She appealed to government and private organisations to support her higher education, saying financial assistance would help her pursue her dream.
For Mithila, the GPA-5 is a major achievement�"but her next challenge is continuing her education despite her family's limited financial means.