Meet Taniya Akhter, Geneva Camp

Taniya is a sixteen year old who lives in Geneva Camp with her father Mohammad Zosim and mother Jahanara Begum. Her brother lives with them, works as a butcher, and supports the family with a monthly income of $128. The person for whom Taniya has the greatest admiration: her mother, who has struggled to bring her up despite the family’s severe poverty. For this reason, Taniya is keen to help other people who are poor and undergoing similar struggles as her family. She wants to study to become a banker and chartered accountant.

Taniya thinks she’s a quiet person who is more of a doer. She is eager to help people around her who are in need of it. She enjoys playing cricket with her friends, watching movies, and listening to music. When she’s by herself, she likes to sing too! Taniya is inspired by Begum Rokeya, the pioneering Bengali Muslim feminist and educator from the turn of the 20^th century. Begum Rokeya has inspired Taniya to work hard and study, and has increased her resolve to eradicate illiteracy after Taniya finishes her own education. “Always speak the truth” is a maxim she always wants to follow in life.

You should know …
That Taniya is able to pursue a life inspired by a feminist hero like Begum Rokeya is a sign of what’s possible when marginalized youth are encouraged to dream, and are given the means to achieve those dreams. As in Taniya’s case, education for girls is essential. So too are the economic empowerment programs for women that OBAT Helpers has established in the camps.

You can help Taniya achieve her dreams
The average cost per year of Taniya’s education from now until she finishes her chartered accountancy eight years later is $787. Help Taniya get her degree and brighten her future. You can fund any number of years of her study as you wish. Your help will mean the world to her. without it, she cannot dream about an education and will continue to lead a life of poverty.
Donate to Taniya’s studies through GoFundME.