At Alingan Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, dream, and grow — regardless of where they are born. Through education sponsorship and documentary storytelling, we work to amplify the voices of children living in underserved communities across Bangladesh. One of those voices belongs to Azmi Akter Alpona.
Born on 2 November 2011, Alpona lives with her family on Nurani Masjid Road in Korail Slum. Like many children growing up in densely populated informal settlements, her early life has been shaped by financial hardship. Yet within this environment, her determination stands out.
Alpona is currently studying in Class 4. She approaches her studies with seriousness and hope, understanding that education may be her strongest bridge toward a different future. Her schoolbooks are more than pages filled with lessons – they represent possibility.
Her mother, Mrs. Ruksana Begum, works as a home-based worker and carries the responsibility of being the sole earner in the family. Her father, Md Azizul Hoque, aged 50, previously worked in a hotel but currently does not have a job. With only one income sustaining the household, managing daily expenses is difficult. Rent, food, school costs – each demand careful balance.
For Alpona, the family’s financial struggle is not abstract. She sees her mother’s long hours and quiet sacrifices. She understands that continuing her education requires effort not only from herself but from her entire family. The pressure is real. The uncertainty is constant.
Yet she refuses to surrender her dream.
Alpona wants to become a doctor. Her aspiration is not based on prestige but on purpose. Growing up in a community where access to healthcare can be limited, she has seen how deeply illness can affect families. She hopes one day to serve people with compassion and skill, offering care where it is most needed.
The road to becoming a doctor is long and demanding, especially for a child facing financial instability. Still, Alpona studies with discipline. She nurtures her creativity through dancing and art – activities that allow her to express joy even amid challenges. These talents reveal her vibrant spirit and emotional resilience.
Her story reflects a larger truth: potential exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Children like Alpona carry dreams that deserve protection and support. With the right guidance and sponsorship, those dreams can grow into real impact.
Alingan Foundation shares her story not to evoke pity, but to highlight dignity, courage, and the transformative power of education.
You can watch Alpona’s full story here:
If you would like to stand beside her and support children in similar circumstances, please consider donating: Donate Here
Together, we can help turn determination into achievement and ensure that a child’s dream is not limited by financial hardship.
