<i>Street children tell stories of hope</i>
Nafis was only 13 when he left his home for Dhaka in search of work. New to the city, with no family or friends to turn to, he got heavily involved in drugs and alcohol, while he worked in a hotel at very low wages.
It was then he came across Brother Lucio Beninati, founder and coordinator of Pothoshishu Sheba Shongothon, an organisation of volunteers working for street children. Lucio Bhai, as he is lovingly calleÂd by the children, helped Nafis wean off his addiction and gave him a vision.
"After a while, I told him that I wanted to learn some technical skills, and he enrolled me in Notre Dame Technical School," said Nafis, who is now 17, and leads a stable and sheltered life.
Nafis and three other children, rehabilitated by the organisation, shared their life experiences with a curious audience at Pothoshishu's fifth anniversary celebration on Mohammadpur Residential Model College premises in the capital yesterday.
Pothoshishu, founded in 2007, works to realise the rights of working children. Its 383 volunteers operate in 11 places across Dhaka, creating access of these vulnerable children to healthcare, education, entertainment and shelter.
Brother Lucio, during his welcome speech, thanked the institution's well-wishers for their generosity. "If we could be more generous, there would be no street children in this country, and no need for organisations like ours," he said.
After the speech, four representatives from four religions lit candles onstage to highlight that all major religions in the world value serving others.
Rezaul Karim Khokhon, a veteran volunteer, gave a brief outline of the organisation's values and activities. "Our aim is to rescue the children from a life of darkness, frustration, addiction and superstition," he explained.
Sultana Kamal, executive director of Ain o Shalish Kendro, lauded the indomitable spirit of working children who not only sustain themselves but also support their families.
She also thanked Pothoshishu for what she said reviving volunteerism in the country.
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