Every child is special

“Being the first and only child, my parents were thrilled and filled with joy to receive me into the world. The neighbors shared their happiness and joy when I was born,” says Suma.

Suma, 10, was born into a poor family in the city of Dhaka. She is the only child of Md. Moyeen Uddin and Khadija Begum. Driven by poverty, the family migrated to the city in search of a better life.

“I have a physical deformity. My neighbors and people around began noticing my disability."

Grief stricken, her mother would cry, and so would Suma. Feeling altogether helpless they did not know what to do. The social prejudice and misconception about disabled children was seen as a curse and burden for the parents.

World Vision partners with a local social organization in the locality that works to establish the rights of disabled people and children. They also support a non-formal school for disabled children.

Suma's mother admitted her to the school to develop her learning and talents. She completed her first year of pre-school successfully with the intensive care and support.

The early days of attending a formal school were not easy. The students looked upon her differently, but as days passed by they started talking and playing with her.

"My best friend Papia loves me a lot. I am treated just like any other student in the school. I love going to school and studying. My dream is to become a doctor someday."

Story and Photo : Dhaka East ADP staff