When it comes to money, it's rare to find someone who wants to pay the total amount. In today's world, we're always looking for bargains or sales. But these two stories Saving a Little at a Time and My Very own Workbook from our Paathshala Schools show how our students want to take ownership of their education and pay the small fees however they can.
Saving a Little at a Time (Story 1)
One day, like any other day, we were asking the children to pay their schools fees. (This minimal fee helps the students take ownership of their study materials.) That day, some students gave their fees and some children could not. For those who still needed to pay their fees, we asked them why they could not pay them. Sometimes, the answer was that they had spent it on snacks; other times, it was just the simple fact that the extra money was not there.
After that assembly, Mamuni, who is in General One class, came to give her brother Akhirul's fee, but she didn't give her own fee and asked if she could give it later. When asked why she was paying her brother's fee but not hers, she answered reluctantly, "Sir, my parents do not pay the fees." I asked her, "Where do you get the money for your fees?"
She told us, "Sir, whatever my parents give me to buy lunch, I save and give it. Till now, I have saved my brother's fees, but I have not been able to save my fees yet. But I will pay the fees as soon as possible." We were all amazed and shocked to hear that some students like Mamuni make such sacrifices for their studies.
My Very Own Workbook (Story 2)
As told from our student's perspective
In the classroom, Ma'am said, "Next week, everyone brings 50 rupees for your new workbook." I was delighted because I would get a new workbook. But I knew my mom probably didn't have money to pay the fees; she often doesn't have extra money. Disheartened, I thought, "How could I get that money? If I ask Mom, I know she won't have enough money...And I really want that new book. " I thought a lot… Suddenly, I got an idea, "I will make my own money. But how??" I wondered. "Maybe I will sell some stuff, or I should steal….?"
While thinking, one of my friends told me we could go to the roadside to pick up garbage. So that way we can make our own money. "What a great idea!" The next day, we went to pick up garbage. We each collected one bag of garbage, and guess what? I got more than enough money. It was double what I needed for the book. The following day, I went to class and proudly gave Ma'am my 50 rupees and told her my story. Proud of me, she gave me my very own workbook. It was so shiny and new. I sat down, eager to start with page 1 of my very own workbook!
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