Free Dhaka's Children from Toxic Landfills Now.

Sara is an 11-year-old girl living with her parents in Matuail, near the largest waste dumpsite in Dhaka city. Four years ago, her family migrated to Dhaka from Rangpur in search of a better life.

Rangpur, a region traditionally known for agriculture, faces persistent economic hardship compared to other parts of Bangladesh. Every year, the northern region is affected by monga—a seasonal period of poverty and hunger caused by the lack of agricultural work between rice harvests. This recurring cycle forces many rural families to migrate to urban areas in search of work, often leading to permanent relocation.

Sara’s father worked as a day labourer in agricultural fields, but the job was seasonal and unstable. The family frequently struggled with financial crises, and eventually her parents made the difficult decision to leave their home in Rangpur and move to Dhaka.

Before migration, Sara had been a student of Class I at a government primary school. However, after arriving in Dhaka, her education came to a halt. With no permanent shelter or stable income, her parents were compelled to start working at the dumpsite alongside other migrant families. Sara had to stay alone at home all day, and due to their very limited income, her parents could not think of sending her to school.

During this time, teachers from Grambangla School visited their community and met Sara’s parents. They explained the school’s initiative to provide free education for children from waste picker families and encouraged them to enroll Sara. Inspired by the opportunity, her parents admitted her to the school the very next day.

“If I had not received support from the school, I might have dropped out and started working either at the dumpsite or in a factory. I am grateful to Grambangla School for giving me the chance to continue my education,” says Sara.

Today, Sara is a student of Class V. She attends school regularly and enjoys studying and playing with her friends. Along with free education, she receives school supplies, nutritious mid-day meals, and day-care support—all at no cost.

Under the project supported by Karuna, Grambangla School currently provides free pre-primary and primary education, day care services, educational materials, and nutritious mid-day meals to 252 children from waste picker families like Sara. The project aims to protect poor and vulnerable children from falling into the worst forms of child labour in hazardous environments and instead give them the opportunity to build a safe and dignified future.

“I want to be a doctor and help my community. I would like to thank the kind people whose support has given me the chance to study,” says Sara with a smile full of hope.