Impoverished Students Overcome Financial Hardship to Achieve Perfect GPA in SSC Exams
Photo Collected
Four students from impoverished backgrounds have achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 in the recent Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, defying severe financial hardship to pursue their academic ambitions. Despite their academic success, these high-achieving students now face significant uncertainty regarding their ability to fund further education due to their families’ limited resources.
Rekha Akter, a resident of Bishashdangi village in Faridpur, is the daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver and a housewife. Despite her family’s financial constraints, she maintained a rigorous study schedule of five to six hours daily. Inspired by the struggles of expectant mothers in her community, Rekha aspires to become a gynecologist. Her headmaster, Abu Jafar Sheikh of Ansar Uddin High School, described her as exceptionally talented and urged wealthy citizens to provide financial support to help her navigate the high costs of college and medical school.
In Rajbari, Khadija Akter, the daughter of a day laborer from Bahadurpur village, also secured a GPA of 5.0. To support her education and contribute to her family’s household, Khadija balanced her studies with private tutoring and helping her mother with livestock. She plans to enroll at Goalondo Government Kamrul Islam College with the goal of becoming a teacher, hoping to support her two sisters and her parents. Her father, Khobir Uddin Molla, noted the difficulty of managing household expenses but vowed to support his daughter’s education as much as possible.
Meanwhile, in Rangpur, Shammi Akter from Taraganj Upazila achieved a GPA of 5.0 while living in a small, bamboo-walled home with five family members. Her father, a painter by trade, struggles to provide consistent meals for the family. Shammi, who dreams of becoming a teacher, expressed deep concern over the affordability of college admission. Her headmaster, Monowarul Islam of Ikorchali High School, emphasized that Shammi’s academic dedication makes her a deserving candidate for community support.
In Nilphamari, Champa Rani, the daughter of a construction worker, attained a GPA of 5.0 from science studies at Domar Government Girls’ High School. Champa, who walked 3.5 kilometers daily to attend school due to a lack of transport, aims to become a doctor to assist underprivileged people. Her mother, Shoiba Bala, noted that the family lacks the financial capacity to support Champa’s transition to college. The school’s acting headmaster, Afroza Bulbul, confirmed that while Champa was a scholarship recipient during her school years, the looming costs of higher education remain a daunting challenge for her family.
These stories underscore a broader narrative of resilience among students who continue to excel despite systemic economic barriers. Educational advocates are now calling for increased financial aid and support from the private sector to ensure these students can translate their secondary school success into professional careers.
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