Shanta, 12, is a student of Grade 5 and dreams of becoming a doctor. Her mother, Mukta, is proud of her achievements.

In Shanta’s class, the majority of students are girls. A decade ago hardly a single girl was found in schools in Birol in northern Bangladesh.

Shanta’s school is one of several that World Vision constructed in the area. There children are discovering the joys and promise of education.

Mukta and other parents in Birol have joined World Vision-sponsored development groups and learned about child rights. They stand firm against harmful cultural practices such as child marriage, child labor, and dowry. Mukta is determined to protect her daughter from marriage before the age of 18.

Although Shanta is the child of a puller rickshaw puller who earns little, she has confidence that one day she can reach her dream of being a doctor.

Photo©2015 World Vision, Lipy Mary Rodrigues