She said no to child marriage, and yes to nursing
Shraboni (left) teaches other children about their rights and how to defend them.
Shraboni says she always had a burning desire to study. Her earliest dreams were filled with books. But growing up in a home where every day was a struggle, survival took precedence over schooling.
Her father was a day labourer without a stable income. Her mother cared for the children and their home. They didn’t understand the importance of education. Their priority was getting through today.
Her sponsor’s kindness ignited a fire within her.
When Shraboni found out that Marilyn, a caring Kiwi like you, had decided to sponsor her, she says it ignited a fire within her.
As a young girl, Shraboni became even more determined to excel in her studies. She received school supplies and support, and slowly gained confidence as Marilyn cheered her on.
At the local Child Forum, which Marilyn and other sponsors like you helped establish, Shraboni learnt about child rights, life skills, leadership and the devastating consequences of child marriage.
These workshops opened her eyes and made her want to step up to lead change.
From awareness to action.
Shraboni quickly became a youth leader, representing other children in Pirganj and speaking into her community’s development plans.
She also wrote and performed plays with her friends from the Child Forum about the negative effects of child marriage.
Her performances resonated deeply with the community, sparking conversations about the importance of education and the dangers of child marriage.
Facing the threat she was fighting.
But when Shraboni was just 14 years old, her parents, overwhelmed by poverty, decided to marry her off.
The news was heartbreaking. Shraboni knew that if she got married, she’d have to drop out of school and her dreams of writing her own future would be crushed.
Drawing strength from her training and the Child Forum, she pleaded with her parents to stay in school, promising to help support the family in any way she could.
Then Shraboni fell seriously ill, suffering from chest pains. Her parents were devastated. They couldn’t afford to pay for her treatment.
But thanks to sponsors like Marilyn and you, they weren’t alone. Your love-in-action helped cover the cost of Shraboni’s medical care. She recovered and was even more determined to stay in school.
Rising stronger and lifting others.
Her illness became a turning point. Her resilience and strength began to sway her parents. Along with going to school, Shraboni took on part-time work at a beauty parlour. She also became a part-time teacher educating young girls and boys about child rights and life skills.
Shraboni works in a beauty salon while also studying to get her diploma in nursing.
Her determination inspired her parents to join World Vision’s programme that helps extremely poor families find a pathway out of poverty.
Slowly, they found new ways to earn more family income, and their financial situation began to improve.
Shraboni’s relentless efforts paid off.
She convinced her parents to let her continue her education instead of becoming a child bride.
A new future takes shape.
With Marilyn’s kindness encouraging her every step of the way, Shraboni passed her final high school exams with flying colours and is now pursuing her diploma in nursing.
Her dream is to serve distressed people, using her education to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Education is my weapon,” she says.
“I have faced many struggles, but I never gave up on my dreams,” shares Shraboni, now 17 years old.
“Education is my weapon, and I will use it to fight for a better future. Not just for myself, but for my family and my community.”
Shraboni has paved the way for other girls to stay in school, safe from child marriage, and reach for their dreams. Thanks to Marilyn and other generous sponsors like you, girls across Pirganj are finding their voice, protecting their rights, and changing the future. Not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.
Her father was a day labourer without a stable income. Her mother cared for the children and their home. They didn’t understand the importance of education. Their priority was getting through today.
Her sponsor’s kindness ignited a fire within her.
When Shraboni found out that Marilyn, a caring Kiwi like you, had decided to sponsor her, she says it ignited a fire within her.
As a young girl, Shraboni became even more determined to excel in her studies. She received school supplies and support, and slowly gained confidence as Marilyn cheered her on.
At the local Child Forum, which Marilyn and other sponsors like you helped establish, Shraboni learnt about child rights, life skills, leadership and the devastating consequences of child marriage.
These workshops opened her eyes and made her want to step up to lead change.
From awareness to action.
Shraboni quickly became a youth leader, representing other children in Pirganj and speaking into her community’s development plans.
She also wrote and performed plays with her friends from the Child Forum about the negative effects of child marriage.
Her performances resonated deeply with the community, sparking conversations about the importance of education and the dangers of child marriage.
Facing the threat she was fighting.
But when Shraboni was just 14 years old, her parents, overwhelmed by poverty, decided to marry her off.
The news was heartbreaking. Shraboni knew that if she got married, she’d have to drop out of school and her dreams of writing her own future would be crushed.
Drawing strength from her training and the Child Forum, she pleaded with her parents to stay in school, promising to help support the family in any way she could.
Then Shraboni fell seriously ill, suffering from chest pains. Her parents were devastated. They couldn’t afford to pay for her treatment.
But thanks to sponsors like Marilyn and you, they weren’t alone. Your love-in-action helped cover the cost of Shraboni’s medical care. She recovered and was even more determined to stay in school.
Rising stronger and lifting others.
Her illness became a turning point. Her resilience and strength began to sway her parents. Along with going to school, Shraboni took on part-time work at a beauty parlour. She also became a part-time teacher educating young girls and boys about child rights and life skills.
Shraboni works in a beauty salon while also studying to get her diploma in nursing.Her determination inspired her parents to join World Vision’s programme that helps extremely poor families find a pathway out of poverty.
Slowly, they found new ways to earn more family income, and their financial situation began to improve.
Shraboni’s relentless efforts paid off.
She convinced her parents to let her continue her education instead of becoming a child bride.
A new future takes shape.
With Marilyn’s kindness encouraging her every step of the way, Shraboni passed her final high school exams with flying colours and is now pursuing her diploma in nursing.
Her dream is to serve distressed people, using her education to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Education is my weapon,” she says.
“I have faced many struggles, but I never gave up on my dreams,” shares Shraboni, now 17 years old.
“Education is my weapon, and I will use it to fight for a better future. Not just for myself, but for my family and my community.”
Shraboni has paved the way for other girls to stay in school, safe from child marriage, and reach for their dreams. Thanks to Marilyn and other generous sponsors like you, girls across Pirganj are finding their voice, protecting their rights, and changing the future. Not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.