“ My father told me that education is a long time process for earning money, but you can earn money during childhood. So he involved me in fishing.”

–Shipon Hossain

Shipon Hossain is a first generation learner in his family. Now he is a student in grade two. But it was not easy to involve him in school before 2009, because he used to fishing in the river with his father. They are a medium solvency family, but his father involved him in work for more income. Why did he not think about his child’s education?

“Traditionally our family has been involved in fishing and we earn a decent living, so we never thought to send our child in school,” says Shipon’s father. “My father told me that education is a long time process for earning money, but you can earn money during childhood. So he involved me in fishing,” says eight-year-old Shipon.

This is not only the case for Shipon’s family. There are many families in Bangladesh who think in this way. DCI has been working to break this cycle that perpetuates poverty. After observing the family’s condition, DCI’s local officer met with Shipon’s father to enroll Shipon in our program. But the 46-year-old fisherman refused. After continued motivation day by day, DCI was able to enroll the child in the Sunchild Sponsorship Program. Now Shipon goes to school regularly and prepares his homework with the help of a DCI volunteer who provides after-school tutor support. He has also received education and hygiene materials, various household materials, and a stipend.

Now Shipon’s father is happy with the change. He says about Shipon, “I have been provided good food, but only education has resulted in good behavior and visible change.” He thanks DCI for the opportunity.