First SSC Examinees of JAAGO
Since the inception of JAAGO Foundation, it has put an enormous effort to break the cycle of poverty and facilitate poor children to have better lives. Korvi Rakshand, the Founder of JAAGO Foundation, started his journey in 2007 with a carpet, a blackboard, a box of chalks and a handful of children. After 10 years of diligence, those very children from the first batch (Reception) are taking their SSC examinations this year. The students have struggled and fought against poverty and inadequacy throughout their lives, however, they never left their school. This year, 20 students of the JAAGO Rayer Bazar School have come one step closer to conquering their dreams.
The students have been trained with extra care for their exams. Their teachers have poured in quality guidance, so that, one does not have to take tuitions outside of their school. They have been following the National Curriculum in English from class I and also, have been practicing communicating in English for the last ten years. These students are the gems of the school and have long term plans for their future.
On January 30, 2018, in the presence of the Senior Manager of the Education Programme, Zihaduzzaman; Senior Education Coordinator, Md Nizamul Karim, and other distinguished guests, the school authority distributed the Admit Cards amongst the students. They were also provided with necessary stationeries at the end of the programme. The event concluded with speeches and well wishes from the teachers and the governing body. Towards the end of the gathering, Mr Zihaduzzaman wished the students and said, "Together with the teachers and the students, we have come this far. It has been a huge achievement for us. The students are going to be independent and start taking their own decisions soon. I hope they make wise decisions in life and become brighter and confident as they grow up."
Korvi Rakshand shared his feelings and said, "10 years back, we started this journey together in a small room, with 17 small kids and eyes full of hope. With every step, JAAGO has grown up and so have our students. The students from the first batch of JAAGO Foundation will be sitting for their SSC examinations from February 1, 2018. It is a moment of pride for us."
There have been instances where the school had to resolve family issues in order to prevent drop outs. Since children from under privileged families come to JAAGO Foundation, they have to fight against adverse situations to continue their studies. Rima Aktter Moni, an examinee of SSC, also had to witness the hardship of life, but, defeating all odds, she is taking her exams now. On the day of their farewell, Moni exclaimed, "I could not sleep properly last night. I know it is because of the mixed feelings that I am going through right now. My grandparents called and sent their regards. My mother is trying to buy milk for me so that, I stay strong and healthy throughout the month of the exams. I want everyone to pray for me so that I can fulfill my parents' dreams."
JAAGO envisions building a generation that will take Bangladesh to the highway of social and economic progress. The foundation believes that, access to quality education for every child can support the mission of eradicating poverty. Also, the hope is that, students who will graduate from JAAGO Foundation will be able to distinguish between the good and the bad, build a society that is free from discrimination, exploitation and violence. A sustainable growth of their physical and mental health makes them aware of their surroundings and helps bring out the best in themselves.