Asma Akter

“My name is Asma Akter. I live in Market Camp, Dhaka and have four
members in my family.  I have been receiving a scholarship from OBAT since
I was in 10 th grade.

My father has been unemployed for some time. This year, I completed my
undergrad degree. I always had dreams for a higher education. I wanted to be
a teacher but my family was poor. My father was a day laborer and his income
was very limited. With his small income, it was not possible for him to pay for
my education after 8 th grade.

At that point, OBAT came into my life in the form
of a blessing from Allah. I applied for a scholarship and considering my
family’s financial situation, OBAT selected me as a recipient. After that, I
finished the rest of my schooling and college. I got admitted into Northern
University, Bangladesh and I completed my BBA degree from there.

It is not easy for a girl in our culture to have access to higher education.  Due
to financial constraints, parents arrange the marriages of their daughters at a
very young age. OBAT’s Scholarship Program has solved the issue of early
marriage in our community. Other girls like me are also getting access to
education and the incentive to reach for their dreams.

OBAT realized my dream and gave me the opportunity to receive higher
education. I am now a teacher at the Ananda Preschool in Dhaka.”