A shining pearl
A single cow can change an entire household, transforming their frustration and suffering into optimism in just a few years. With new hope, Mukta Akter’s family is a bright example of such rapid change.
Although a brilliant student, the 12-year-old considered high school a luxury.
Although a brilliant student, the 12-year-old considered high school as a luxury. Given her father’s low income as the village’s tailor, paying for school for his three daughters and two sons all at once was a huge challenge.
With their father being the sole breadwinner for such a large family, Mukta and her siblings led an unstable life in a small, rented hut. Cramped and overcrowded, the home almost felt like a cell.
Despite her name meaning pearl, Mukta was neglected as she grew up, as were her siblings, until World Vision noticed her as an unpolished gem.
Since becoming a sponsored child in a World Vision development programme, Mukta has finally enjoyed luxury- leaving primary school with outstanding results for the high school near her village where she is now in grade six.
Several years ago, Khalida attended World Vision’s training on rearing cows, receiving a heifer from the organisation on completion after agreeing that its first calf would be given to another struggling family.
With the hard work and determination of Khalida and her husband, the animals have brought new prosperity to the household.
The mother has taken great care of the cow, which within a year had given birth to a calf that she gave to a neighbour. Then came a second calf, a third and most recently a seventh. With the hard work and determination of Khalida and her husband, the animals have brought new prosperity to the household.
The family, who used to live in a ramshackle hut, now own their own land, where a half-built home is rising to provide permanent shelter and dignity. Once, Khalida and her husband ignored Mukta, but today they are proud to introduce themselves as her parents.
Her father is committed to allowing her to study as long as she wishes, while World Vision is with her to fulfil her dream of being a teacher. Like Mukta, many girls in Bangladesh are moving into the light due to the kindness of World Vision’s donors.