Education offers perspective. That became clear when Be the Planet Foundation, in collaboration with NGO Grameen Shikkha, opened the doors of a slum school in Dhaka, Bangladesh in early 2025. The first lessons have now begun, and we would like to introduce two of the students: Samira and Samir. By following their journey through school, we aim to show the personal impact education can have.

Samira is seven years old and lives with her parents and three brothers in a small, rented room in the Mirpur slum area of Dhaka. Her father works as a barber in a local shop and has never received formal education. Her mother makes paper bags—called thonga—to earn a living.
Of her three brothers, one works in a garage, another attends a religious school, and the youngest is still too young to go to school. In a community where opportunities are scarce and daily survival is the norm, it is remarkable that Samira now has access to education at our slum school. She is eager to learn and full of enthusiasm. Her dream is to become a teacher so she can help others learn as well.

Samir is six and his father is a rickshaw driver. Every day, he cycles long distances through the busy streets of Dhaka to support the family. Samir’s mother is a homemaker who completed tenth grade, an exceptional achievement in this neighborhood. Samir has a disabled brother who lives in a village with their grandparents and attends a religious school there. His younger sister is still too young for school.
Samir and his family also live in a cramped, rented room. But this limited space does not stop him from dreaming big. At school, he is curious, engaged, and always willing to help other children. He hopes to become a police officer one day, "so I can protect others."

There are many children like Samira and Samir in their neighborhood, but the chance to attend school is rare. By supporting them with five years of education and guidance, we aim not only to improve their personal future but also to inspire broader change within their community.
Be the Planet Foundation believes in the power of education. By following children like Samira and Samir, we bring the impact of our project closer to home. We look forward to sharing their journey as it unfolds.