The Happy Smiles of the Slum

If I told you that these were the children of the slum, destined to a ruined life, would you believe me? I have been humbled and graced by the kindness of the children being raised in the largest slum of Dhaka, Lalmatiya this winter. 

I have kept this secret to myself for some time now but I think it’s finally time to share them. I am happy to see our children do amazing things, speak in better English than myself, and have dreams of their lives that they know only they can fulfil.  

I thank Choice 2 Change Foundation for giving me an eye-opening trip that has changed me not as a person, but as a Bengali who has not done very much for her country. 

This Ramadan it is my privilege to distribute 80% of all my portraits sessions booked to the education of these children. It takes 500$ in annual school fee to educate 1 young child in a family of 7 in a large slum in a small country called Bangladesh. 

I feel graciously towards this cause, and I believe Ramadan is the time to come and step forward in God’s grace. Let us help those who deserve it more than us.  

Let me tell you below how my day with them went: 

As we walked in, kids were waiting to greet us and perform. Look at how cute they are!!

Crocs gave shoes to the students so they could walk to it everyday, in pride ;)

Here are the 2 wonderful people, Sunil Baroi and Eva Kernova, founders of the foundation. Her walk across the busy roads of Dhaka led to her discovering Sunil and Lalmati, and eventually establishing a free charity school called Choice 2 Change Foundation.

They spent the day dancing for us, teaching us about bad smoking habits and water purification. We also learned how to use paint of computer!

Remind yo'selves!!

How cute is this library? I am talking to you, #booknerds.

We then took a break and walked out to some of the students' houses, before we returned for lunch.

Selim is a Grade 5 student in the school. His parents separated soon after he was born and his mother took a job as a construction worker. She passed away in January 2013, leaving Selim an orphan who lives in a slum shack paid by the school, only a few meters away. Selim studies hard & his daily routine begins before his school opens; selling newspapers and stickers from street to street, car to car, to make $2 every day. He imagines himself being a Police Officer or the C2C Director in the future and is already showing remarkable results aiming to achieve that very goal. He wants to complete his education successfully, fulfilling a promise he made to his late mother.

And of course, the hospitality extended as we were greeted by such adorable faces!!! :))

We then walked around through the many houses in line to visit some more students' homes. Eva's darling mom gave away some litte sweet treats :D

We then ended our day with some home-made lunch. Choice 2 Change makes sure kids not only receive free education, but 1 healthy meal per day.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to read this article, and if you've felt anything for the very few lucky children of the slum, I am humbled. Every resource you see in this blog has been shared and donated by people with great hearts :) 

To make any contributions, please get in touch with me here or go directly to Choice 2 Change contribution website here.