Bangladeshi Nurse Establishes School for Children with Disabilities Inspired by Personal Struggle
Rikata Akhtar Banu, a nurse from rural Bangladesh, has been named one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world for 2024 by the BBC. Banu’s extraordinary story is one of perseverance and determination, fueled by a deeply personal experience.
Her journey began when she encountered profound resistance while trying to enroll her daughter, who has cerebral palsy, in a local school. "When he tried to enroll in the local primary school, he was turned away by the authorities," Banu said.
Faced with this heartbreaking rejection, Banu refused to let her daughter be denied an education. In a powerful display of maternal love and advocacy, she sold her own land and poured her resources into establishing a school specifically for children with special needs.
This remarkable institution, which began with 73 students in 2009, now provides education for 294 children with a variety of intellectual and physical disabilities. Recognizing the need for support beyond academics, Banu aims to expand the school’s offerings.
"I want a residential facility system to be started here. A boundary wall should be built to ensure the safety of the children here," she explains. She urges society and the government to join her in this endeavor, stating, "… I am asking the rich people of the society to come forward as well as the government."
The school’s success speaks volumes about Banu’s dedication. It not only serves children with disabilities but challenges societal perceptions and fosters a more inclusive community.
For Banu, the journey has been deeply personal. Recently celebrating the arrival of her daughter’s healthy baby girl, she emphasizes the importance of inclusion and opportunity for all children, regardless of their abilities.
“My request to parents of disabled children, do not keep disabled children secret and send them to school. Not all disabled people may work, but at least they can do their own work. They should be given the opportunity to develop in that way. It cannot be neglected, it cannot be tortured,” Banu powerfully proclaims, "I founded the school. But it’s all yours."
Banu’s story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of one person’s commitment to social justice. Her unwavering belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their differences, offers inspiration on a global scale.
[Image of Rikta Akhtar Banu with disabled children in her school]
