A mother's struggle for her challenged kids

Rahima Begum is making all efforts to fulfil her dream of educating her three physically challenged children so that they could lead their future life smoothly.

Moreover, the tragic road accident of her rickshaw-puller husband Abu Bakar a couple of months ago has increased her responsibility further.

Thinking of her three challenged kids' future, Rahima, a resident of Purbo Tangbhanga village in Hatibandha upazila, often cries when she is alone as she cannot provide the necessary support her children need.

Among her three kids, elder son Rubel Islam, 16, a student of Hatibandha SS High School, reads in Class VIII, while her two daughters Runi Khatun, 10, and Moni Khatun, 8, read in Class II and Class I respectively at a local primary school.

Rahima earns her livelihood by working as a farm labourer at the village and has a house on three decimals of land. About a year ago her tin-shed house was partially damaged in a hailstorm.

“As a farm labourer my daily wage is only Tk 200, which is not sufficient to maintain my four-member family,” Rahima said, adding that she can't even provide pen, books or other necessary items to her children.

The three siblings read lessons at their Tangbhanga village home. Photo: S DILIP ROY

“Rubel could not attend his school regularly as he cannot move without support,” she said.

Rubel said he can't move without help of a stick and he can't even sit, so he always had to stay on his feet.

“We do not have lights while reading at night as our parents do not have the money to get electricity connection,” Rubel said.

With a hope of getting support under the government's different safety net programmes Rahima tried to meet State Minister for Social Welfare  Nuruzzaman Ahmed at his Kaliganj residence on several occasions in the last six months, but got no response.

As part of her continued efforts, Rahima with her three challenged kids, again went to the minister's house and finally got a chance to meet him on October 3.

“After three hours of long wait the minister could not assure me of any help, except promise,” Rahima said.

Lalmonirhat Social Welfare Department Deputy Director (DD) Mosharrof Hossain said his department will provide all out support to ensure education of Rahima's challenged children.