Save a Girl from Child Marriage with a Scholarship

You gave Ashma the courage to speak up for herself, and change the course of her future. 

Ashma and her little sister Beauty live in a small home in Bangladesh pieced together with sheet metal. Their father works long hours as a rickshaw puller, and makes barely enough to feed his family. 

Since Ashma’s father could no longer afford her school fees, he began making plans to send her to work in a nearby factory. But Ashma knew better.

She knew that if she dropped out of school, she risked being married off to a much older man. And she knew that the factory work was dangerous work.

With a strong desire to finish her education and avoid an early marriage, Ashma turned to World Concern for aid and stood her ground.

Now, thanks to you, both Ashma and her sister Beauty are able to continue attending school! Beauty even told us her favorite subject is English, and that she dreams of one day becoming a doctor.

Without you, these sisters’ dreams would not be possible.  

In places like Bangladesh, girls as young as ten or twelve are often married off instead of going to school. Some parents, like Ashma’s, view marriage as a way to ease the financial burden another child creates on their family. 

It’s your gift of a scholarship that protects girls like Ashma and Beauty from the fate of an early marriage. Only 14 and 12 year’s old, marriage is not something they should be worrying about.

Ashma overflows with gratitude for this chance you are giving her. Both Ashma and her sister Beauty enjoy school, and take great pleasure in sharing all they learn with their fellow classmates. Soon enough, beginning with one girl’s influence and courage, you will change the future of an entire community!

You are protecting the hearts and minds of young girls just like these sisters, giving them the chance to leave poverty behind and pursue their dreams. 

Fulmala didn’t want to get married. After all, she was only 12.

In Bangladesh, middle-school aged girls are often forced to marry much older men. Families living in poverty can’t afford another mouth to feed, and view marriage as an opportunity to lessen their burden.

But thanks to you, Fulmala no longer has to live each day in fear of an early marriage.

The scholarship she received at the age of 12 saved her from a forced marriage, and the abuse and injuries in childbirth that often follow.

"I didn't want to get married because I wanted to study and have a higher education.”

Scholarships that you provide open a whole new world to girls in Bangladesh, who before had little hope for the future.

Families no longer feel the pressure to marry off their daughters, allowing them to stay in school. Girls who receive scholarships and complete their education are not only successful and empowered, but are more equipped to help their families and communities out of poverty.

Now 16 years old, Fulmala dreams of becoming a teacher. She can look to the future with hope because of your generosity. In fact, Fulmala wants to teach the next generation of children in her village.

“I feel a lot of joy when I teach children.”

You have given Fulmala the opportunity not only to learn, but to influence and empower other young girls just like her.

Through your generous gift, you are spreading hope and joy in the poorest communities, and for that we can’t thank you enough.

You are truly transforming the lives of young girls in Bangladesh.