Changing Lives of One Another

Almeer Ahsan Asif, a graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from American International University, Bangladesh (AIUB), always wanted to do something for those in need. Even though he had never taught in schools before, he was adamant on pursuing his dream of making a difference through the art of teaching. 

14-year-old Sikander Badshah, who runs a tea-stall, happens to be the sole earner of his family of six members. Despite facing struggles throughout his life, Badshah's thirst for knowledge overpowered his emotions and preserved his spirit from being broken. All Badshah wanted to do was learn. 

Fate was kind when these two individuals found each other and with that, discovered ways to make their dreams come true, through Teach for Bangladesh (TFB).

Almeer is a Fellow of the inaugural cohort of Teach for Bangladesh. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Education, Leadership, Management and Planning from IED, BRAC University as a part of his Fellowship with TFB. "I always had a knack for voluntary work, such as winter clothes distribution, organising iftaar for orphans, etc," says Almeer, "My passion for supporting those in need motivated me to work with Teach for Bangladesh. Learning about Teach for Bangladesh and their movement to end education inequity, I realised that I found a platform through which I can make an impact for the long run. It not only enables me to work with the underprivileged, but I feel it also develops my professionalism and networking skills."

Almeer's first few weeks at Teach for Bangladesh was with the students of Grade 3. He spent those days teaching his students discipline, good governance and proper behaviour. 
"All my students had come from a background where corporal punishment was very prevalent. Once they realised that we don't use such kinds of punishment, they thought we would be easy on them and they could do whatever they felt. There were a lot of violent fights breaking out, fights that seem abnormal to us but were a part of their daily lives. I was very confused and frustrated, but I took my time and was persistent in making sure that I find my way through," says Almeer. He targeted one child at a time and spoke to them, counselled them and finally found his way. 

Among Almeer's students was the very quiet and shy Badshah who was never involved in the chaos that Almeer had to control. Almeer once saved Badshah from a beating from his classmates. That day, Almeer gained Badshah's trust, respect and love. Through exceptionally good with math, Badshah had trouble with his English which Almeer persistently helped him with. When TFB launched the project 'Real Kids Real Lives', a project where a Fellow can choose a student to spend some days with to understand their lives, their hardships, families and so on, Almeer chose Badshah. 

During the days Almeer spent with Badshah, he was inspired at every moment. "For a child his age, Badshah has had to face a lot of struggle. The reason that that surprised me so much is how calm and collected he usually seems. I've never heard a peep of complaint from him about his problems at home, yet he strives to do better for himself and his family everyday," says Almeer. "Everytime I dug deeper, I realised that each child had a whole different struggle. It really motivated me to keep going, to keep being there for them."

Badshah's father and grandfather were never supporters of his education. They wanted him to join their work with garbage disposal instead. "My mother always wanted me to study. I was in a  government primary school before, and I used to runaway from there everyday and work as a 'tokai' (garbage collector). I also worked as a bus conductor for a few years. I started school again at the age of 10 in Grade 2," says Badshah. His mother left them because of his father's bad habits, but soon returned only for Badshah. "My determination for education comes from my mother's determination. She works very hard for me, sometimes takes the shift at the tea-stall during my classes and also makes me lunch," says the shy youth. Badhshah works at his tea-stall from 4 in the morning till 2 in the morning, almost everyday, with a few hours of break during which he chooses to study and complete his homework. "I love studying English. Almeer sir uses phonics to help us pronounce words properly. I can say a lot of English words now. I also love Mathematics very much," says Badshah, "I want to grow up, finish school, finish college too, and get a government job so that I can take care of my family and move them away from the 'Rail Line' neighbourhood, where trains pass just a few meters away from our beds."

Teach for Bangladesh has become an inspiring way of letting two individuals from two different worlds, two different backgrounds and upbringings bring change into each others' lives. Through this platform, many like Almeer have found their way to bring the ultimate change by ending education inequity, helping the underprivileged, while many like young Sikander Badshah have learned to hope for a better future.