Afrin Jahan Swapna

As I always do, I want to thank to our OBAT’s Family for making this possible. Your invaluable help has been key during this journey.

Let’s read her story:

“I am Afrin Jahan Swapna, I am a resident of Geneva camp. My father’s name is Abdul Latif and my mother’s name is Nurjahan Begum. My mother is a housewife. We are one brother and three sisters.

My brother is married and he lives separated from our family. My older sister is married, and my younger sister is studying in an honors third-year major in accounting, she is also a scholarship student of OBAT.

I lost my father at the age of five years old. It was a very tough time for me and my family. My father was the only earning member of our family. And after his death, my mother maintained our family. I am so proud to get a mother like her because she managed our education.

She supported my other sibling for education.  When I was in class five considering the circumstances I also started handy craftwork to maintain my family and educational expenses.

I completed my secondary education with good results. And as it was impossible for me to admit myself to a university, I went to OBAT to apply for a scholarship for my university education. Considering my family situation OBAT gave me a 70% scholarship and somehow I managed the rest 30%.

I have completed my under-graduation in BBA major finance and currently doing an MBA major in finance. I am also volunteering OBAT Think Tank. I am working at OBAT as Junior Officer Finance and Accounts. I am involved with OBAT since 2010.

It was very challenging for my mother to bear the educational expenses of her three daughters. Usually, parents give in marriage their daughter at a younger age but my mother didn’t do so. My mother and OBAT supported me for my education. I can’t imagine myself here without their support.

As a resident of the camp, I face many problems. I don’t have privacy in my house as all the members are living in the same room. We have to use a public bathroom. I stand in a long line to collect water.

OBAT is working to solve these issues. They made clean water tubes well, toilets and better sanitation facilities.

I like reading novels in free time because reading those I get the motivations and get the strength to fight with challenges of life. My favorite book is “Wings of Fire” by APJ.

I love the quote of APJ Abul Kalam Azad:

“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep.”

This quote inspires me to work hard to reach my dreams. I am determined to reach my destination though I am from camp.

I was so lucky to do an internship in OBAT and after that, got the job at OBAT’s Office. I am thankful to Allah for providing me all these opportunities. OBAT made me empowered through education and the job.

My dream is to make myself a leader who will work for her community. I will focus on solving the problems of girls like me and I will try to solve them as much as I can. I want to empower other girls who are in the same situation as me. I want to inspire everyone that no matter what your condition is if you work hard, you can shine.

I am thankful to all the donors and supporters of OBAT for supporting me.  I cannot imagine myself where I am today without all of them. I wish OBAT will continue helping the girls like me. I want to say that Anwar sir treated me as his daughter and I will always be grateful for his contribution in my life”.

Knowing that all our stars are achieving their dreams is what motivates us day by day. You will succeed Afrin, keep moving forward!

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