Aid helps char girls pass SSC

She was unsure whether she would be able to continue studying after completing primary education for it was discouraged in her remote char village of Khaichala in Sirajganj district inhabited by an indigenous community called Odao.
Working in the crop fields even during exams, she had to force her tired self to stay awake at night to study. The pressure had caused her to fall sick while she was taking the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams.
But the endurance paid off. Mili Rani Odao passed alongside 110 of the 116 persevering girls of different Sirajganj chars who had sat for the exam this year.
These girls were accorded a reception under the “Girls' Education Program” of non-government organisation Room to Read at Gonoshasthaya Kendra PHA Bhavan in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital, yesterday.
 “After school, I usually start working from noon and finish before evening. Moli apa (one of the programme's field workers) came to me almost every day to get updates on my studies and also to inspire me. I got motivated from her every visit,” stated Mili.
Her prompt treatment during the exam was initiated under the programme.
The officials concerned say they offer need-based support such as family counselling emphasising girls' education, providing boats for girls to reach schools and arranging extra classes if needed.
Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr Farzana Islam was the chief guest yesterday while litterateur Selina Hossain was the special guest. Room to Read Country Director Matiur Rahman and Manager Ruksana Sultana addressed the occasion.
Room to Read also launched eight motivational books for children.