At 15, Md. Fazle Rabbi knows what it feels like to see a dream slipping away.
When river erosion destroyed his family’s home and land in Barishal, they were forced to move to Kamrangirchar, Dhaka, to rebuild their lives. His father found occasional work as a construction helper, but the income was not enough to support a family of six.
As the family’s financial situation worsened, Rabbi had to leave school and start working.
Instead of spending his days in a classroom, the 15-year-old worked long hours in a cap-making factory and later in a garment factory to help his family survive.
“I wanted to continue my studies, but my family was struggling,” Rabbi recalls. “My dream of becoming a doctor was fading away, but I never stopped hoping that I could return to school.”
That hope became a reality when Islamic Relief Bangladesh’s Skills Development and Comprehensive Action for Hazardous Child Labour Elimination (SCALE) project identified Rabbi’s family through a community consultation meeting. Following an assessment, they were enrolled in the SCALE Project, which supports vulnerable families to reduce their reliance on child labour and create safer opportunities for children.
Rabbi received BDT 8,300 in education support through a bank account, helping cover the cost of school essentials, including books, stationery and a school uniform. With the support in place, he was able to leave factory work and return to education.
Today, Rabbi is studying in Grade 8 at Ashrafabad Government Primary School and working hard to build the future he once feared he had lost.
But supporting Rabbi’s education was only part of the solution. 
To help address the economic pressures facing the family, Islamic Relief also provided life-skills counselling on the risks of child labour and a BDT 22,000 livelihood grant. Rabbi’s mother, Anna Akhter, used the grant to establish a small business based on a plan she developed with support from project staff.
The additional income has helped strengthen the family’s financial stability and reduced the pressure that had forced Rabbi into work.
“I will do whatever I can to help my son continue his education and build a brighter future,” says Anna.
Today, Rabbi is back where he belongs, in the classroom. He still dreams of becoming a doctor, so that one day he can help people who cannot afford healthcare.
For him, returning to school is about more than education. It is a chance to pursue the future he once thought was out of reach.
Rabbi’s story is one of many being supported through the SCALE project. By combining education support, livelihood assistance and awareness raising, the project helps vulnerable families address the underlying causes of child labour and build more secure futures.
According to Bangladesh’s National Child Labour Survey 2022, around 1.78 million children are engaged in child labour, including 1.07 million involved in hazardous work. Through initiatives such as SCALE, Islamic Relief Bangladesh is working with families and communities to help children stay in education, realise their potential and pursue their dreams.