Impoverished Student Overcomes Financial Hardship to Secure GPA-5 in SSC Exams

Farzana Yasmin, a student from a low-income family in Sherpur, has achieved a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination despite severe financial hardship and the threat of forced school dropout.

Farzana, a student of Uttar Nakshi High School in the Nalitabari Upazila, faced an imminent exit from her studies before her test exams when her family could not afford outstanding tuition fees. Her teachers intervened by contributing 1,000 taka to ensure she could sit for the examination, allowing her to eventually secure the top academic result in the science department.

The student’s path to success has been marked by significant domestic instability. Her father, Matin Mia, is an elderly van driver in Dhaka, while her mother, Firoza Begum, has worked as a domestic helper to support the family. The family owns no agricultural land and resides in a small tin-roofed house on five decimals of land. To mitigate their financial burdens, Farzana learned tailoring in the ninth grade, using the income from sewing clothes to fund her own education and that of her younger sister, Farhana.

Despite her academic achievements, Farzana expressed uncertainty about her future, citing the persistent lack of resources. She admitted that she often refrains from dreaming of a career because she fears her education could be interrupted at any moment due to financial constraints. Her parents, struggling with mounting debts, had previously suggested that Farzana leave school to work in a garment factory. While Farzana remains determined to continue her studies, the looming costs of college admission, textbooks, and transportation have left her anxious.

Personal data of citizens being sold openly on digital platforms according to investigation

Read Article

Uttar Nakshi High School Headmaster Mofazzal Hossain described Farzana as a highly talented and motivated student who struggled to remain in school due to her family’s limited income. The school administration provided institutional support to assist her, but the challenges of funding higher secondary education remain.

Matin Mia, speaking over the phone, acknowledged his daughter’s deep passion for education but stated that his limited earnings are insufficient to cover future costs. He expressed a desire for his daughter to continue her studies, noting that without external financial assistance, he might be forced to end her education despite her academic potential. As Farzana prepares for the next stage of her academic career, the burden of poverty remains the primary obstacle to her success.