Empowering children of fishermen

Children residing in Pirojpur District have very limited access to education and have little or no knowledge about the usage of the internet and technology. The transport and communication system of the region has not developed over the years. As a result, the students have to walk at least two to three kilometres every day to go to school. Unfortunately, due to the distance, many girls often drop out of school and are married off very early.

Besides education and technological advancement, the organisation is also working to ward off social problems such as child marriage and stalking, alongside raising awareness on the importance of blood donation.

"I often visit the Baleshwor River with my friends, as it is very close to my house. One day, we came across a young boy selling food from a box that was strung to his neck. We came to know that his father is a fisherman and cannot afford his school fees," shares Sajib, the President of Hate Khori Foundation. "Moved by his story, I, along with my friends Shourov, Shanto, Ujjal, Joya and Ovi, started different projects to help such kids."

Members and volunteers of the foundation distributing face masks among children. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HATE KHORI FOUNDATION

The organisation has been actively working for around three years. "We decided to start working towards reaching our goal. Subsequently, on the birthday of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we launched Hate Khori Foundation In 2018," shares Rubel Miah Nahid, the Adviser of the organisation.

Hate Khori Foundation arranges different quiz contests and workshops under 'Project Alo'.  Alongside different academic activities, the children are also encouraged to pursue co-curricular activities such as sports, art and other cultural events through this project. Their initiative 'Digital Project' is designed to equip these children with IT knowledge and skills. Alongside using computers, the children also learn internet browsing and gaming, among other things.

During monsoon, most of these children have to stop going to school for at least 2 months, as they cannot afford umbrellas. With their initiative 'Project Shopnopuron', Hate Khori Foundation has donated over 250 umbrellas to the school-going kids till date.

With 'Project Hashi', they have successfully distributed school supplies to over a hundred students and hope to increase the number with every passing day. 

While some of the children are sent to school, a significant portion of the population is still kept away from education as their parents prefer to send them to work. As a result, rather than being students, most of the children are hawkers or daily labourers. The foundation's 'Project Sikkhabarta' aims to raise awareness among the parents in this regard.

They also arrange a regular weekend session, titled 'Hate Khori Friday School' where 100 registered volunteering tertiary-level students conduct free regular classes for the kids on Fridays, as most of them cannot afford additional coaching classes to improve their school grades. Although our Friday School is closed at the moment due to the pandemic, we are making necessary arrangements for our students to continue their studies at home," says Sajib. They also distribute gifts to these children on different religious festivals and occasions.

"We only want a better life for these children, however, it becomes very difficult to sometimes convince their parents as most of them are yet to comprehend the necessity of education," asserts Sajib, when asked about the challenges they have faced so far. "Social welfare also requires a lot of funding and the current economic crisis is only adding to our struggles."

More recently, members of the foundation distributed free masks, and encouraged people in remote areas to follow safety and hygiene guidelines, through awareness campaigns.

Hate Khori Foundation wants to eliminate all social inequalities that the children of Pirojpur District fall prey to— be it based on gender, social status or race. They also hope to bridge the gap between mainstream school children and the kids residing in this rural region, so that they can explore their options and work towards improving their lives.

The author is trainee reporter, Arts & Entertainment, The Daily Star. Write to her at shoptorshisamaddar@gmail.com.