It's definitely fate's approval -- a blessing. The Creative Enlightened Society is a remarkable health and advancement club in the peripheries of Bangladesh dedicated to adolescent girls.
Once you step into Barail village in Brahmanbaria, you will surely be enchanted by the beauty of the rural community. Whilst the green takes off stress, the advancement of the locality amazes guests. What's more interesting is that the occupants of the tiny village have done wonders for the community. One such name is Lutfe Tahera, initiator of the remarkable social welfare project.
Tahera has been involved with public assistance and NGO programmes for more than two decades, collecting accolades for her involvement with vital national issues such as rehabilitation of street children, health and welfare concerns, population control, etc. Her latest venture marks the visionary's sole concern for enhancing and improving the lives of the citizens of her beloved country.
February 2013 marks the initiation of the noteworthy institution, Creative Enlightened Society, deliberately striving to change the destiny of young girls in the vicinity of Barail Village. “This is just the beginning denotes Tahera. With proper planning and support, we hope to open such associations in all the villages under the given union.”
The hospitable initiative has ingrained a set of steadfast beliefs amongst its members. And that is -- only education can progress life and craftwork can translate into financial freedom.
The young members of the association, belonging to the age-group of 12-18 years, are knowledgeable in significant subject matters, including child rights, puberty related health issues, dangers of early pregnancy, etc.
Long term attachment with the initiative has helped these girls in several ways. Around 30 of them received certificates for a one-year intensive sewing course and 24 even earned free sewing machines to start off their careers at once. On an average, these girls are able to earn Tk 500 to Tk 700 a month, but on special times of the year like Eid, Puja and the Wedding season, their monthly earning sometimes surges to Tk 1500- Tk 2000 a month.
October 27, 2017 was an extremely special day for the girls at 'Creative Enlightened Society' as they were able to celebrate all of their birthdays together. Ecstatic, all the girls shared a feeling of warmth and enjoyment. Mariam, a young member of the esteemed association, even revealed her happiness by saying, “This is the first time ever that I celebrated my birthday. The feeling is surreal; it's as if I was reborn today.” Another important occurrence on the same day was the advent of a 5-member volunteer group named 'Neel Kontho' that hopes to combat early childhood marriage in the society.
Conversing with other members of the association, we came across Eity Akhter, a charming young girl who has been associated with the foundation since the beginning. “I got married after enrolling as a member and receiving one year of intense training on sewing at the institution. My in-laws and husband are extremely happy with my efforts, appreciating my involvement with the foundation,” she informed.
Hoping for an outcome where hundreds of girls like Eity and Mariam have their destinies change by becoming financially independent and content, Lutfe Tahera strives relentlessly towards strategising a bigger plan to incorporate more members and a brighter future for all.