Valuing Teacher Voices: Sinthya’s Journey in Empowering Slum Children Through Education

World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on October 5th to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of teachers to education and society. The 2024 celebrations focus on "Valuing teacher voices: towards a new social contract for education," emphasizing the importance of valuing teachers' voices as part of a new social contract for education. This focus highlights the need to address teachers' challenges and recognize the valuable expertise and insights they contribute to the educational system.

On this day, we feature the story of Sinthya who realized that education could be the key that unlocks countless doors for slum kids.

Sinthya’s Story

In the heart of Bangladesh's bustling Dhaka, where the contrast between affluence and poverty is stark, the Chalantika slum stands as a testament to resilience and hope. Among its narrow alleys and makeshift homes filled with laughter and dreams, one woman has devoted over a decade to changing lives— Sinthya Nipa Barikder, a teacher with the Chalantika Slum Children Development Project (CSCDP) of ADRA Bangladesh.

Sinthya's journey began in 2013 when she first stepped into the CSCDP education center. At the time, the slum was a hotspot for socio-economic challenges, where many children were deprived of basic education due to financial hardships. An inspiring figure in her community, Sinthya became determined to see these children gain the education they so desperately needed and deserved.

“I realized education could be the key that unlocks countless doors for these kids,” Sinthya shares with a gentle smile. “The moment I saw their eager faces, I knew I wanted to be part of their journey.”

As a teacher in the CSCDP project, Sinthya embodies the spirit of teaching. Beyond just academic subjects, she instills life lessons about resilience, hope, and the importance of education in her young students. Her classroom is a creative space where children can express themselves and dream.

Under Sinthya’s guidance, the CSCDP education center has flourished. The center has become synonymous with empowerment in Chalantika—transforming from a simple school to a community hub that cultivates ambition and nurtures talent. Here, children learn not just reading and arithmetic but also critical thinking and moral values. Sinthya understands that these children are the future of their community, and she takes her role seriously.

Children gravitate towards Sinthya. “She has this magical ability to connect with us,” says Yasmin, a bright 10-year-old student. “When she's teaching, I feel like she believes in us. It makes me want to do my best.” Sinthya's approach to teaching is as personalized as it is passionate. She helps each child find their strengths and develop their talents.

The success of the CSCDP project is built on Sinthya's unwavering commitment. Under her care, enrollment in the center has increased, and dropout rates have significantly decreased. Parents have witnessed significant transformations in their children—both academically and personally. “Sinthya has guided our children not just to learn, but to dream,” said Sabera, mother of Yasmin. “We are forever grateful for the light she brings into our lives.”

However, the journey has not been devoid of challenges. Constantly faced with systemic social issues, including poverty and child labor, Sinthya often grapples with the harsh realities that threaten to disrupt her students’ education. Yet, she approaches these obstacles with unyielding determination. “Every minor victory counts,” she insists. “When I see a child who once struggled to learn to read, I know we’re making a difference.”

Sinthya is a source of hope for the children of the Chalantika slum. She helps them become confident and ready to face the world. Her story shows how a good teacher can change a community. When passion meets purpose, amazing things can happen.

As Sinthya looks to the future, her dreams for the CSCDP education center remain ambitious yet achievable. She envisions expanding the curriculum, introducing vocational training, and ultimately, raising the bar for education in the slum. “I want every child in Chalantika to know that they matter and can achieve greatness,” she declares with conviction.

Sinthya is strong in the face of challenges. She cares about her students and believes in a better future. She educates and transforms lives, proving that education is indeed the best pathway out of poverty.