BRAC Annual Report 2011 37
Education
CA S E
S T U DY
Afsana Akhter, a former BRAC primary school student and active member of BRAC’s Kishori Club, received assistance from BRAC University to get a scholarship to study medicine in China and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor to serve her community.
AFSANA AKHTER, future doctor: one girl’s path from poverty
“ My family and I are thankful to BRAC for giving me the incredible opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. I never thought it would be possible to achieve one’s dreams, especially one that is so ambitious, but BRAC’s support and their belief in me has had a tremendous effect on me.”
Afsana Akhter has been studying medicine in China for the past two years. She received a full scholarship to study for her medical degree from the Chinese government. While she may seem like countless other students across the world, her humble beginnings make her stand out. She was able to rise from her situation of abject poverty to becoming a recipient of a prestigious scholarship, which gave her the opportunity to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Afsana has three elder sisters and a younger brother. Growing up, she did not have much hope for a better future because her family lived in poverty, and opportunities were few and far between, especially for girls. Even though she and her sisters all attended BRAC primary schools, her sisters were married off before they were even given the chance to complete their secondary school. In high school Afsana joined BRAC’s adolescent girls’ clubs (Kishori Kendros) which are sharing places that give girls
the chance to socialise, play indoor games, sing, dance, exchange views, and experience all the activities that were frowned upon in their homes. The lessons learnt in the club have remained with her even to this day. When Afsana scored high marks in her board examinations, BRAC University selected her for a scholarship, bearing the full cost of her post-secondary studies. After completing one semester in BRAC University, BRAC’s Centre for Language helped her get a scholarship in China. She has learned Chinese and is doing well in her studies. Afsana has a dream to return to her villagers and provide them with medical assistance and access to proper health care. She believes that education is the key to unlocking a girl’s true potential. Without the assistance and support from BRAC, Afsana fears she would not have been able to achieve her childhood dream.