Breaking Barriers: Abeda’s Story of Transformation with Good Neighbors
-
by
GN Bangla
When Abeda
Akter joined Good Neighbors Bangladesh (GNB) as a sponsored child in
2002 at the Ghatail Community Development Project (CDP), her
family was struggling to make ends meet. Growing up in Tangail, access to
education and basic needs was a daily challenge. Yet, through GNB’s continuous
support and her own determination, Abeda’s story became a powerful example of
how early investment in a child’s education can spark lifelong transformation.
Empowering Through Education
GNB’s Child Sponsorship Program provided Abeda with the foundation she needed to thrive. She received:
· Educational materials, tuition support, and exam assistance
· Regular health check-ups and nutritious food
· Mentorship, guidance, and participation in life-skill and child development activities
With these supports, Abeda completed her HSC from Pakutia Public School and College (2014) and earned a BSS degree from GBG University, Ghatail (2019). Her journey began at Good Neighbors Ghatail School, where she developed academic discipline, empathy, and leadership.
Abeda was always disciplined and motivated. GNB’s nurturing environment helped her realize her potential and inspired others to follow her path
From Youth
Volunteer to Community Change-Maker
After
completing her studies, Abeda stayed connected with GNB, giving back to the
community that raised her. Between 2014 and 2020, she served in several key
roles:
·
Volunteer
(2014–2015)
·
Sponsorship
Service Supporter (2015–2016)
·
Health
Volunteer Female (2017–2018)
·
Community
Health Worker (2019–2020)
Through these
experiences, Abeda developed skills in community mobilization, communication,
and women’s health awareness. Her leadership inspired other young women to take
part in local initiatives, proving that empowered youth can drive lasting
change.
Abeda’s dedication has inspired many young girls to pursue education and community work. She is living proof that investing in one child can uplift an entire community.
Championing
Women’s Empowerment
In 2021,
Abeda was elected President of the Porabari Women’s Cooperative,
established under GNB’s Women Empowerment Initiative.
Under her leadership, the cooperative has:
·
Enabled 50+
women to access livelihood training and small business support
·
Promoted financial
literacy and savings culture among rural women
·
Created a
safe, inclusive space for women to discuss challenges, share solutions, and
lead together
Abeda’s
leadership has turned the cooperative into a thriving platform for social and
economic empowerment—proving that empowered women empower others.
Good Neighbors Bangladesh
Empowering children, youth, and women to create self-reliant and inclusive communities.