Md. Aktaruzzaman grew up struggling with poverty since childhood. He is the youngest of four children of a day laborer father. Father Aminur Rahman manages the expenses of a family of 8 members. Because of which the family can’t properly manage food, clothing, child’s education and any other expenses. Despite that, Aktaruzzaman tried to go to school. His education was stopped at the age of 10 after attending the local Jhapali Government Primary School till class IV. From there he worked with his father and elder brother as day laborers and catching fish and crabs in the river.
In 2021, Uttaran started a bridge school in Kashimari Union of Shyamnagar Upazila with the financial support of Educo Bangladesh to educate the dropout children, Aktaruzzaman again enrolled in this school. His brother opened a small shop for repairing bicycles and motorcycles in Kashimari New Bazar, He started working in the shop besides studying at Bridge School. In 2022, when He was 15 years old, he received a three-month technical training on diesel, petrol engine mechanics and easybike repairing with the help of Uttaran. Ever since training, he had dreamed of running a shop himself but was unable to do due to lack of money. So, he started saving by working in his brother’s shop.
Currently, Aktaruzzaman has come a long way towards fulfilling his dream. He rented a shop in Kashimari old bazar with an advance of Tk 50,000 with his own savings, his brother’s help and a loan from a microfinance institution. 500 Taka per month rent to be paid. Purchased goods Tk.35000 for operating a motorcycle garage. When the income from the garage work starts well, he plans to there buy a motorcycle wash and a motorcycle and Easybike welding machine.
Aktaruzzaman says, “I got the opportunity to do this business today with the help of Uttaran and Educo Bangladesh. I aim to serve my family, expand this business, and create job opportunities for other unemployed boys in the area.”
Aktaruzzaman’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of education and vocational training. It reminds us that with determination and support, individuals can turn their dreams into reality, fostering positive change not just for themselves, but for their entire community.