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DHAKA: When Shikha Akter was abandoned by both parents, her grandparents brought her to Dhaka, about 90 km from their native Shariatpur district, and placed her in a new care facility for children.

Now 16, she has spent most of her life at Happy Home, a shelter run by ActionAid Bangladesh.

“I landed here at Happy Home at the age of 6. Since then, it has become my only address on this earth. It really is a home,” she told Arab News.

“Growing up with so many sisters has been a joyful experience ... We were given the opportunity to study, just like other boys and girls. I don’t feel abandoned.”

The Happy Home program was launched in 2006 to support homeless and marginalized girls aged 6 to 18.

The initiative has since helped more than 17,480 of them, providing shelter, food and clothing. Some of them have been living at the program’s boarding home in Mohammadpur area in Dhaka, while others stay for day care and return to their families.

The main goal of the project is to integrate street children into mainstream education and prepare them for independent living once they reach adulthood.

Shikha was among Happy Home’s highest-scoring secondary school exam takers in May this year, reaching 4.57 out of 5.

“The day my Secondary School Certificate exam results were published was the most memorable moment of my life,” she said. “It felt like I had overcome one of the biggest hurdles on the path to success.”

She already has plans for the future — to become independent and reunite with her sibling.

“I have a younger sister who lives with our maternal aunt. I dream of bringing her to live with me once I’m able to live on my own,” she said.

“I want to be a businesswoman. I will make different types of colorful bangles and sell them to fashion-conscious women. I have already received training in making bangles.

“My seniors also promised to help me open a Facebook page with my bangles. It will help me in marketing.”

More than 1.5 million Bangladeshi children lack access to safe shelter and basic care, according to ActionAid Bangladesh data.

“Girls are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, which is why our program prioritizes their safety and education. Happy Home provides healthcare, life skills, and educational opportunities to help girls build a secure and independent future,” said Farah Kabir, the aid group’s country director.

“The program has enabled thousands of girls to complete education, acquire vocational skills, access psychosocial support, and secure employment. Many alumni have pursued higher education and built successful careers, proving that investing in girls’ safety, education, and skills can break cycles of poverty and create lasting positive change in communities,” 

Another Happy Home resident, Rozi Akter, recently gained admission to Lalmatia Women’s College in Dhaka after scoring 4.50 in this year’s secondary school exam.

Rozi spent the early years of her childhood on the streets of Dhaka with her five sisters. Their mother worked in other people’s homes, and their stepfather did not treat them well.

“During the daytime, we had to roam here and there outside home. We used to return home during night only to sleep,” she said. “I landed here at Happy Home at the age of 7.”

While she is still learning, focusing on science and computers, she has a plan to become a fashion designer.

“By watching YouTube videos, I’m learning fashion design to prepare myself for a future in the business,” she said.

“We have sewing machines at Happy Home, and some of our older sisters used to make clothes with them. Watching them helped me gain some hands-on experience. I’ve already made a few pieces myself.”

She is aware that in two years she will face adult life but is not afraid because her seniors have done well and will provide support.

“I feel very happy to be raised in a shelter like Happy Home, surrounded by many other girls like me,” she said.

“We all have different stories of struggle, but as girls, we share the same spirit. We always stand by each other through every challenge.”