When Rafiq was two years old, his father died of internal bleeding. His teachers feel that he is an exceptionally bright boy, and he is given special tutoring to maximize his potential. He is curious and has a strong desire to learn about the world. He does not feel that Bangladesh has a good educational system and would like to become a teacher in order to improve that system while helping others learn.

Aktar’s family lived in a rural village where most children do not go to school. He and his siblings worked in the rice fields alongside their father. When Aktar was 4-years-old his father died of cancer. The children continued to labor in the paddies but the family was unable to make ends meet on the limited results. Aktar’s mother sent three of her children to live with an uncle, and Aktar came to live at the orphanage. He says that the best thing about living at the orphanage is having time to play. When he was at home working long hours left him no time for any sports or games.

Rabbi’s father was a rickshaw driver who died when Rabbi was five-years-of-age. His teacher reports that he is a good student interested in learning everything he can. He is self-assured and liked by the other boys. It is obvious that all the boys look up to him even though he is one of the younger boys at the orphanage. He is a born leader.

Imam was born two days after his father’s death; his father died when a coconut tree fell on him. Shortly thereafter, his older brother and sister also died. His mother started working in Dhaka as a maid, and when she remarried, the new step-father refused to take care of him. He went to live with his grandparents who brought him to the orphanage because they could not afford to care for him. He continues to be unwelcome in his step-father’s house. Imam is very sensitive and sweet. He is often relied upon by the staff for various tasks because he is very responsible and mature for his age.

Humaun’s father should not have died from the snake bite. His mother and uncle took him to the nearest doctor who refused to treat him because they could not afford to pay his professional fees. The next doctor was much farther away and Humaun’s father died on the way there. Humaun would like to become a doctor to help the poor and ensure that no other child has to face a painful and unnecessary loss as he did.