Anouar, aged 11, candy floss seller

07.31.2012 - When his father died some years ago, Anouar’s mother decided to come to Dhaka, hoping that in the capital she would be able to find work to support her seven children. So the family took to the road, joining the endless rural exodus of poor people in search of a better life.

Unfortunately, in Dhaka the poverty continued, and because the family was having trouble making ends meet, Anouar had to work to help his mother. He couldn’t go to school and the dream of a better future faded.

However, in Mohammadpur, the deprived area where he lives, a slightly different school opened its doors to him. A school where even older children can attend and which has a timetable adapted to accommodate those who have to work, as well as much-needed free medical care.

And thanks to this school, supported by Enfants du Monde, Anouar can at last return to the classroom. He wants to study English and Bangla, which are his favourite subjects, but also life sciences in order to learn more about water pollution because he wants to be a fisherman, like his late father. He can do this while continuing to help his family, for his afternoons are free.

So every morning, Anouar studies, securing a brighter future for himself. And each afternoon, he goes to sell candy floss in a neighbouring market. Life isn’t always easy for him and his family, but thanks to the money he earns and the education he is receiving, Anouar hopes that one day he will be able to return to his home town and build a future there.

Our education project in Bangladesh