Story of Mim Akter – A journey from darkness to hope

Mim Akter, a young Rohingya girl living in Camp-04, Block-D-3 of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, was born in the village of Aung Daung in Myanmar. She is the second child among five siblings. Her early childhood was spent in peace, until violence and persecution in her homeland forced her family to flee to Bangladesh in search of safety. 

Life in the refugee camp has not been easy. Mim’s father, Sala Uddin, remarried and moved to another camp. This left her mother, Khotiza, with the sole responsibility of raising five children on her own. Amidst poverty, trauma and daily hardship, Khotiza has shown remarkable strength, working tirelessly to provide for her children and keeping their hopes alive.

Education: A distant dream

For Mim, education was a distant dream. Her family’s financial struggles and the lack of electricity at home made studying nearly impossible. Dreams of learning were slowly fading until a life-changing opportunity came along.

Her life began to change when Mim’s family was selected for the Human Concern International (HCI) Child Sponsorship Program. Through CSP, Mim and her siblings gained access to regular education, proper nutrition, clothing, and festive support, including sports gear, winter clothing, Eid food, and festival dresses.

This assistance lifted a heavy burden off her mother’s shoulders. Khotiza shared, “Before, I had to worry about everything. Food, clothes, even snacks for my children. Now, because of CSP, my children are happier, and I feel less burdened. I thank HCI and Shushilan from my heart.” 

A bright student with big dreams 

Mim is now in Grade 3 at OBAT School. She attends classes regularly and studies with great enthusiasm. She proudly says, “Now I can read, write, and speak all the letters and numbers. I want to be a doctor one day and help others who are sick.”

Her dream of becoming a doctor reflects a deep desire not only to uplift herself but to serve her community in the future.

Additional gifts, lasting impact 

With the additional gift initiative, Mim’s family was able to purchase items that have significantly improved their daily lives, including a solar fan, a battery and chairs. For a home that once had nothing, this simple support has made a world of difference. Mim’s mother said with emotion. “Now we can sleep and study peacefully”. 

From tears to smiles 

The impact of CSP on Mim’s family is profound. Their living conditions have improved, the children are receiving education, and their mother now sees a future full of hope. “Without the CSP project, I could not raise my children properly,” said Khotiza. “I had lost hope, but now my tears have turned into smiles. You have given my children light and education. May Allah bless you for remembering families like ours.”

Mim Akter’s story is a shining example of how support, compassion, and opportunity can transform lives. From nearly giving up on education to dreaming of becoming a doctor, Mim’s journey has been shaped by resilience and the unwavering support of the Child Sponsorship Program.

Now, hundreds of children like Mim are in the camp through CSP. They are not just surviving-they are dreaming again.