“Before my class 10 board exam, I decided to stop studying and look for work. But I could not, well more specifically they did not let me do it,” said Ashfaque with a bright smile on his face.
Just before his class 10 board exam, Ashfaque’s life turned upside down. The financial struggles of his family, where his father’s earnings as a rickshaw puller were barely enough to keep them going, weighed heavily on his shoulders.
For 18-year-old Ashfaque, who lives in a slum near the Tala Park area with his parents and four siblings, education seemed like a distant dream. His father, the family’s sole earner, struggled to make ends meet.
As the eldest of five siblings, Ashfaque felt the burden of responsibility. In despair, he decided to stop studying and look for work. “I thought it was the only way I could help,”
But despite the odds, Ashfaque’s journey to success was only beginning, because Calcutta Rescue Education Projects teachers are nothing but diligent, motivating and even stubborn when it comes to supporting their students.
Since Ashfaque and his siblings were four years old, Calcutta Rescue has been there for them, providing access to education, nutrition, and healthcare. Our organisation played a crucial role in his life, ensuring he had the support he needed to continue his studies, even when he was ready to give up.
“Ashfaque is a good student, and we knew we could not give up on him,” said Subhajit, the head teacher of the Tala Park Education Project.
With encouragement from his teachers, Ashfaque reconsidered his decision to leave school. He decided to challenge himself even further by opting for the science stream after class 10. “It wasn’t easy, but with the support of my teachers and my own love for studies, I knew I had to keep going,” Ashfaque shares.
With hard work and perseverance, Ashfaque scored an impressive 72% in his class 12 board exams. Alongside his school studies, he began preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer. “I know the path ahead won’t be easy, but I’m ready for it. I’ve come this far, and I’m not stopping now.”
His dedication and achievements didn’t go unnoticed. Ashfaque was honoured with a scholarship by The Telegraph School Awards for his outstanding academic performance. “I couldn’t have done this without my teachers at Calcutta Rescue. I am so grateful for everything they’ve done,” he says, reflecting on the support that carried him through his toughest moments.
Ashfaque’s story is a powerful testament to how education, paired with the right encouragement, can transform lives. His family, especially his father, is filled with pride. “Ashfaque’s success gives us hope. He’s shown us that no matter how hard things get, there’s always a way out with hard work,” his father shares, filled with pride and gratitude.
As Ashfaque prepares to tackle the engineering entrance exams, he knows his journey is far from over. “I want to show others like me that where you start doesn’t have to be where you end up. If I can do it, so can they.”
