Jannatul, a 16-year-old adolescent girl from Teknaf sub-district of Cox’s Bazar, lives with her parents and three younger siblings. As the eldest child in a low-income family, she has always shouldered additional responsibilities. Her father is the sole breadwinner, and her mother manages the household. The family’s financial hardship often meant making difficult choices especially when it came to education.
A bright and determined student, Jannatul was enrolled in Class 9 at local Madrasa (religious school). However, earlier this year, she was forced to drop out due to increasing financial pressure and the emergence of a marriage proposal deemed suitable by her family. Influenced by socio-economic challenges and traditional norms, her parents began arranging her marriage.
Despite the circumstances, Jannatul was not ready to give up on her dreams. She had always aspired to complete her education and build a better future for herself.
“I want to be established through education and get a decent job,” Jannatul shared.
“But I felt my dream slipping away when they told me I had to get married.”
Fortunately, Jannatul had been actively participating in Child-Friendly Space (CFS) sessions under the “Joining Forces for Food Security & Child Protection in Emergencies” project. These sessions enhanced her awareness of the protection risks and long-term consequences associated with child marriage, and empowered her to advocate for her rights and future.
As the threat of early marriage loomed, a community member named Nurul Alam, who lived nearby and was actively engaged in Positive Parenting Group, learned about Jannatul’s situation. Trained through regular parenting and child protection meetings, he was aware of the harmful consequences of child marriage and recognized the urgency to act.
Nurul Alam approached Jannatul’s family and initiated a sensitive and informative discussion. He emphasized the legal, emotional, and physical harms of early marriage, and encouraged them to support her education instead. He also involved teachers from Jannatul’s madrasa to reinforce the importance of keeping her in school.
“We were about to take a step that could have ruined her future,” Jannatul’s father admitted.
“Thanks to Nurul bhai’s words, we took a step back and listened.”
As a result of this intervention, the marriage was cancelled, and Jannatul was re-enrolled in her education, reclaiming her right to education and future aspirations.
“When I returned to class, I felt like I got my life back,” said Jannatul with relief.
Moriyam is now in Class Four and attending school regularly. She is back on track with her education, gaining confidence and developing the leadership skills she always dreamed of. Her family is more supportive than ever, with her parents encouraging her ambition to become a teacher one day.
“Now, I feel proud when I wear my uniform,” Moriyam says with a smile.
“One day, I will teach children who were just like me.”
Today, Jannatul is once again enrolled in Class 9. Thanks to timely intervention and support from a member of the Positive Parenting Group under the project, her education was not permanently disrupted.
She continues to attend Child-Friendly Space (CFS) sessions regularly, where she gains knowledge, builds confidence, and nurtures hope for a better future. With the support of her family who now recognize the value of her education, she is back on track and more determined than ever.
“I lost time when I dropped out. But now I’m back, and I won’t stop again,” she says with conviction.
“My dream is to finish my education and get a decent job—to be someone who is respected and independent.”
Her story is a powerful example of how community-based support and awareness-raising can protect children from harmful practices. It also highlights the resilience and determination of adolescent girls who strive to claim their rights and shape their own futures.
“We almost lost our daughter to child marriage,” her mother reflected.
“Now, we’re proud of her strength and support her all the way.”
This journey demonstrates that when girls are informed, supported, and protected, they can overcome adversity, break the cycle of poverty, and lead the way toward a more just and equitable future.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the German Humanitarian Assistance
Its contents are the sole responsibility of Joining Forces and do not necessarily reflect the views of the German Humanitarian Assistance.