Khushi is studying again
Khushi is back in school.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, millions of boys and girls are forced to work in factories to support their families. Khushi is one of them. At just 12 years old, she had to drop out of school while she was in fourth grade. Her mother works as a housemaid, but her income is not enough to support the family. That’s why Khushi started working in a garment factory to help.
Every morning she would wake up at 6 a.m. to face long hours in the spinning department, where she was mistreated by her supervisor. “I don’t want to work in a factory anymore,” said Khushi, who dreamed of going back to school and becoming a doctor. She just wanted to study, play with her sister, and cook – things every girl should be free to do.
ActionAid Bangladesh, together with its local partners, heard Khushi’s story and decided to take action. Through meetings with her family, they explained the importance of education and girls’ rights, including protection from labour exploitation. After months of effort, Khushi was able to leave the factory and return to school.
Today, Khushi is back in class, determined to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor. Her story is a symbol of hope for the many girls who are forced to work. “Every girl has the right to dream big,” says Sanjida Afrin from ActionAid Bangladesh – showing that with the right support, the future can be changed.
