Restoring Rights Through Child Protection: From Labour to the Classroom

Omar Faruk, a 13-year-old boy from a poor family in Baharchora, Teknaf, lives with his mother Nurunnahar and his younger brother. Three years ago, his father passed away, leaving his mother as the sole caregiver for the family. The loss deeply affected Omar, who, as the eldest child, felt a strong sense of responsibility toward his family.

Omar Faruk, a 13-year-old boy from a poor family in Baharchora, Teknaf, lives with his mother Nurunnahar and his younger brother. Three years ago, his father passed away, leaving his mother as the sole caregiver for the family. The loss deeply affected Omar, who, as the eldest child, felt a strong sense of responsibility toward his family.

Before the crisis, Omar was studying in Class 5 at Baharchora Tafhimul Quran Dakhil Madrasa, while his younger brother, aged 8, continued his education in Class 2. However, after his father’s death, the family’s financial condition deteriorated rapidly. Nurunnahar struggled to manage daily expenses and often found it difficult to provide even basic meals. “With no income, I did not know how to feed my children,” Nurunnahar shared.

Under severe financial pressure and with no alternative support, she made the difficult decision to withdraw Omar from school and send him to work at a relative’s tea stall. Omar’s daily routine shifted from attending classes to working long hours, exposing him to child labour risks and depriving him of his right to education.

Although this decision helped the family survive temporarily, it put Omar’s future at risk and created emotional distress for both mother and child. Nurunnahar was aware of the consequences but felt helpless due to her circumstances.

A turning point came when Nurunnahar learned about a Positive Parenting Group session in her community and decided to attend. Through these sessions, she gained awareness about children’s rights, the harmful effects of child labour, and the importance of education for her children’s future. Realizing the impact of her decision, she became deeply concerned about Omar’s situation.

“I understood that sending my son to work was not right, but I had no other way,” she reflected.

She shared Omar’s case with the Child Friendly Space (CFS) facilitator, who provided counselling and guidance. As her home was located near the CFS, Nurunnahar began attending sessions regularly, which gradually increased her confidence and understanding of child protection issues.

Recognizing the family’s vulnerability, BITA and Plan International Bangladesh included Nurunnahar in the livelihood support programme under the GFFO-funded JF-FS & CPiE project. She received BDT 10,000 as livestock support and started poultry rearing. With regular follow-up and technical guidance, she began generating income by selling chickens.

This support not only addressed the family’s immediate financial needs but also reduced their dependence on negative coping mechanisms such as child labour, enabling Omar to return to school.

Omar is now back in school and continuing his education with renewed hope. He has re-enrolled in Class 5 at the madrasa and is gradually rebuilding his confidence. Free from the burden of work, he is able to focus on his studies and enjoy his childhood again.

“Now I feel happy to go back to school. I want to study and become someone my family can be proud of,” Omar shared shyly.

Nurunnahar’s situation has also significantly improved. Through poultry rearing, she now earns approximately BDT 3,000–3,500 per month, which allows her to meet her family’s basic needs without relying on her child’s income.

“I was very worried about how we would survive,” she said, “but now I can manage my family, and I want both my sons to continue their education.”

The family is now more stable, and the household environment has become safer and more supportive. Nurunnahar is more aware of child protection and actively prioritizes her children’s education and wellbeing. Omar’s younger brother continues his studies, reinforcing education as a shared family value.

The intervention has successfully reduced the risk of child labour and strengthened the family’s resilience through a combination of awareness, counselling, and livelihood support.

Omar’s story is a powerful example of how integrated, community-based interventions can restore hope and protect children’s rights. With the right support, even the most vulnerable families can overcome hardship and build a better future where education is prioritized over survival-driven decisions.