Appreciative Story

Samia Akter was born on 12th July 2016 in Velanagar village, Narsingdi. From the very beginning, life posed challenges for her and her family. During her mother’s pregnancy, her water broke prematurely. Seven to eight days later, she was taken to Narsingdi District Hospital, where multiple injections were administered to manage labor pain before she was delivered normally. At birth, Samia suffered a head injury and weighed less than one kilogram. Doctors warned that she might face difficulties in walking and other physical challenges as she grew. Growing up, Samia’s condition made everyday life difficult. She could not walk properly—her legs bent as she moved—and she was unable to eat, bathe, dress herself, or use the toilet independently. Because of her disabilities, her family had not enrolled her in school. Living in a financially constrained household, her father worked as a garments laborer, her mother stayed at home, and her family had little access to resources that could support Samia’s early development. Everything began to change when Samia was identified by the Shikhbo Shobai/ DIB T-045 project in December 2022. Recognizing her potential, the project team immediately initiated comprehensive support tailored to her needs. Samia received clinical assessments from specialists in hearing, vision, medicine, and neuro-medicine, ensuring her health challenges were properly addressed. To enhance her physical strength and independence, she attended weekly two-hour exercise sessions. She was taught to eat, bathe, brush her teeth, and dress herself, while also learning colors, letters, and numbers. To prepare her for formal education, the project facilitated her enrollment in Belanagar Government Primary School in January 2023. Her home environment was adapted to support her growth: a toilet chair was provided, and her mother and grandmother were trained to help her with regular physiotherapy exercises at home. A walker and orthotic supports were also provided to improve her mobility. The transformation was remarkable. Today, Samia can eat, bathe, dress, and use the toilet independently. She can read and spell both English and Bengali letters, recognize numbers up to 100, perform basic arithmetic, identify money, and understand colors, shapes, and sizes. She participates actively in school, interacts with classmates, and enjoys playing with her peers. Teachers, classmates, and neighbors alike admire her determination and support her wholeheartedly. From a fragile child who could barely move on her own, Samia has grown into a confident, independent, and academically motivated student in Class 3. Her favorite activities—learning, playing with friends, and exploring new experiences—reflect not only her progress but also her aspirations for the future. She dreams of moving and functioning like any other child, completing her education, building a career, and one day serving children with disabilities herself. Samia’s journey is a testament to the power of early intervention, dedicated care, and the support of inclusive development programs. Through consistent guidance and encouragement, a child once limited by her circumstances has blossomed into a thriving, empowered young learner, ready to embrace her future.