Bangladesh to Brussels: with purpose and mission

The goal:

In the heart of Bangladesh, where one of the world’s biggest and most green garment factories are (example here), where the vibrant colours of culture blend with rich tapestry, where dreams sprout to make the difference for a better society, for a better planet. We invite you to meet Yeakub, a passionate student in Mechanical Engineering with a burning desire to make a difference.

Yeakub’s desire is not only a personal aspiration, it is a commitment for our shared home: mother earth. From poverty to mental health issues, nothing was able to stop him in his enthousiasm and determination. He was able to complete his bachelor under difficult circumstances and this odyssey made him realise that his mission has to go beyond the normal aspiration. As a student of Mechanical Engineering, the research opportunities are limited in Bangladesh. The path to pursue and realise his dream leads to the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Brussels, a hub of innovation and a beacon for those aspiring to be the architects of a greener tomorrow. His hope is to achieve greater knowledge and skills, and use that knowledge wherever it is needed most.

Now you may ask ‘Why VUB?’ Well, VUB is more than just a university; It is renowned for its international program, it is at the heart of Europe, it is a gateway to cutting-edge research, a melting pot of ideas for the future, and a community dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges of our time. The mission of the university is to create solutions that transcend borders, tackling climate change, pollution, and resource depletion among other challenges.

Dreaming is fundamental, do you agree? Dreams, especially those fuelled by passion and purpose, sometimes need a little support to put them into motion. We invite you to be part of Yeakub's journey - a journey that goes beyond borders and transcends cultures. Your support will not only fund an education but will sow the seeds of change that will benefit communities far beyond the classrooms of the VUB. Imagine a future where sustainable technologies blossom from the seeds planted today with your support, where innovations born in Brussels reach the corners of the globe, transforming the way we interact with our environment. Your contribution is not just an investment in one student; it is an investment in a sustainable, interconnected world. The required change can not be achieved locally, it has to be done globally, and together.

Every donation, big or small, is a little step forward - but always an important step - to a greener and healthier planet. Join him in crafting a narrative of hope, resilience, and shared responsibility. Together, we can empower Yeakub's sky-rocketed dreams, break boundaries and build a future where the harmony between humanity and the environment is not just a goal but a reality.

Yeakub is ready to embark on this new journey. Are you ready to be a part of this to make the difference?

Who is Yeakub?

Yeakub Hossain was born and raised in a beautiful village surrounded by nature in the district Pabna, Bangladesh in 1998.

He is the youngest among three children of his farmer parents. He is the first person to achieve a bachelor degree (to complete graduation) in the shared family tree at fathers and mothers side. During his childhood, he was showing his skills at artistic stuff like design and drawing. He wanted to be a teacher and he could not utilise his artistic merit due to lack of opportunities. After secondary level (which is O-level) he achieved a diploma in Mechanical Technology from a government college. He received two scholarships during his college life.

Due to financial instability in his big family of 11 members, he had to stop studying. In December 2018, he looked after his father who suffered of a second heart attack, while also achieving basic computer skills and experience professional life as a teacher in a small town nearby. In early 2019, he moved to Dhaka and started a worker job at a RMG factory as there was no job available suited for the degree he achieved. During 7 months of working, he started to see the surroundings and the world differently. He took out a loan to continue study and pursue his dream. This educational journey made him ambitious to continue further study so that he can contribute something fruitful to society.

What is the donation for?

Research opportunities related to engineering are limited in Bangladesh, especially in the mechanical or environmental sector. Therefore, he decided to continue his studies at VUB in Brussels, Belgium. The donations are essentially required for all administration, visa and travel costs estimated at no less than 3000 euro. As Brussels is the heart of Europe, living costs are also a hundred times higher then in Dhaka. Besides the tuition fees, the donation will be used on living costs, educational costs that must be deposited (almost 13 000 euro) in a blocked account before starting education. This total sum is insurmountable without a scholarship, a wealthy background or your kind support.