Success Story
From street struggles to success, real lives transformed through hope and opportunity
Story of Jesmin Akter
Jesmin’s early life was marked by hardship, uncertainty, and struggle. She spent part of her childhood in vulnerable conditions, working as a domestic laborer without access to education or proper support. Like many children in similar situations, she faced insecurity, instability, and the painful reality of being overlooked by society.
Yet Jesmin carried a quiet determination to change her life. Her journey led her to LEEDO, where she found safety, care, guidance, and a place to dream again.
Today, Jesmin Akter stands as a powerful example of what a determined young journalist can become with the right platform, mentorship, and encouragement. Growing up in LEEDO Peace Home, she transformed her struggles into stories—using her voice, photography, and public speaking to inspire change.
Through the Young Journalist Changemaker Group, Jesmin developed professional communication, reporting, and leadership skills, turning her lived experience into a powerful tool for advocacy and storytelling.
Growth as a Young Journalist
Through continuous training sessions, field activities, and practice-based workshops, Jesmin quickly emerged as one of the most engaged learners in the journalism group.
She excelled in:
- Interviewing techniques
- News writing using 5W1H
- Ethical reporting
- Photography
Story of Hasib
Hasib and Polash are two brothers whose parents were living separately. They lived with
their grandmother, but she was unable to take care of them. As a result, they ended up on the
street. The rescue team found them at the airport rail station and referred them to the LEEDO Peace Home for a better future.
When we received them at the LEEDO Peace Home, Hasib was 11 years old. Since then, he has received all the support of LEEDO under the Peace Home program. Initially, we enrolled him in a Bangla medium school. After two years of studying there, we transferred him to an English medium school. After completing eighth grade, he was admitted to Washpur Model Institute, where he began vocational studies. In addition, LEEDO arranged a part time job for him, where he learned to cook fast food. Now he is in good shape and is working there. LEEDO also took him to participate in the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India in 2023, where he performed very well.
Now, he is living independently outside of LEEDO and leading his own life. LEEDO’s door is always open for him. He is now great example
for our other kids.
Story of Md. Kashem
Md. Kashem’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. Born into a struggling family, Kashem lost his father at the age of three. His mother, left to raise three children alone, could not afford to support them all.
At a very young age, Kashem ran away from the shrine of Maizbhandari and arrived in Kamalapur, Dhaka by train, with no memory of his home address or relatives. Like many street-connected children, he began working as a porter at the railway station and later moved to Sadarghat, where he sold water bottles to survive. To manage food and daily necessities, he became involved in hazardous child labor, facing hardship and exploitation every day.
During this difficult time, the LEEDO team found and rescued Kashem from street life. He was brought to LEEDO Peace Home, where he found safety, care, education, and a chance to rebuild his future.
At Peace Home, Kashem resumed his studies and actively joined extracurricular activities. In 2019, he proudly represented Bangladesh in the Street Child Cricket World Cup in England, becoming a symbol of hope for many children with similar experiences.
Today, at 22, Kashem continues his education at Washpur Model Institute and lives independently with LEEDO’s support. He is also working at Akor Food as a Designer through LEEDO’s vocational support program.
Kashem’s journey from child laborer to an empowered young adult reflects the life-changing impact of protection, education, and opportunity.
Story of Arju Rahman
Arju Rahman’s journey from orphanhood to success is a powerful story of resilience and opportunity. Now around 21 years old, Arju found a safe and nurturing home at LEEDO Peace Home in 2016, where she gained access to essential support and livelihood opportunities.
Education became her path forward. With strong determination, she successfully completed her S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations and is now pursuing her B.A. at Alhaj Mockbul Hossain Degree College in Mohammadpur.
Once vulnerable on the streets, Arju’s life changed significantly after joining LEEDO Peace Home. Beyond academics, she is also a skilled dancer and actively shares her talent with other children. Her dedication to education led her to work as a part-time teacher at KFC Shopner Pathshala from December 2022 to February 2024.
Arju’s achievements go beyond local efforts. In 2019, she represented Bangladesh in the Street Child Cricket World Cup in the UK, helping her team reach the semi-finals. With the support of Mr. Forhad Hossain, Founder & Executive Director of LEEDO, she also obtained a passport, opening new opportunities and experiences.
Her creative talents grew further through the Dhaka Pictures Photo Exhibit after completing a workshop led by renowned filmmakers Jamillah van der Hulst and Conrad Alleblas of Jaja Film Productions.
In March 2024, Arju began a new chapter as a Patient Care Attendant at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, with LEEDO’s support. Today, she has become self-reliant and integrated into mainstream society, standing as a strong example of how support, opportunity, and determination can transform lives.
Story of Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and transformation. Now around 21 years old, Sania once faced a vulnerable life on the streets until LEEDO stepped in and provided her shelter at LEEDO Peace Home in 2015, where she gained access to essential support and opportunities for a better future.
With LEEDO’s support, Sania began her educational journey and successfully completed her S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations. She is now pursuing her B.A. Honors at Alhaj Mockbul Hossain Degree College in Mohammadpur.
Beyond academics, Sania is a gifted singer and has also contributed as a part-time teacher at KFC Shopner Pathshala from December 2022 to February 2024.
Under the guidance of Mr. Forhad Hossain, she obtained legal guardianship and her passport, which gave her the opportunity to represent Bangladesh in the Street Child World Cup in the UK in 2019, where her team reached the semi-finals.
Today, Sania is working as a Patient Care Attendant at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital with LEEDO’s support and a commendable remuneration. Through this opportunity, she has successfully integrated into mainstream society and achieved self-reliance.
Sania Mirza’s story reflects the transformative power of support and opportunity, showing how determination and guidance can help overcome adversity and build a meaningful future.