Solima Khanom Primary Girls school

In his youth, Mr. Gous Ahmed came to realize that to protect and empower girls in Bangladesh, he had to provide opportunities to girls through education. It was a strict conservative society at that time. Educating and liberating girls were seen quite dangerous to the establishment. But Mr. Ahmed was committed to open an elementary school for girls despite threats to his life and his family. With only 5 girls he opened a school in 1938, Solima Khanon Girls' School. The school was named after his mother, Solima Khanom, for she was the unsung hero in his life as a single mother. He wanted to honor girls and women, so naming it after a woman was quite fitting. He called it a madrasa to gain support from Muslim leaders who vehemently refused to allow girls to obtain secular education. Mr. Ahmed could not find a female teahcher so he taught his wife, Ms. Shamsunnehar Ahmed for two years prior to opening  the school. She was the first head mistress. She too was subjected to threats but she did not care. Slowly the school expanded to junior high.  In 1980, it was turned into a high school. In 1989, Mr. Gous Ahmed initiated and founded a college for girls. In total, 1700 girls are being educated every year from elementary education to bachelor degree. These three institutions have helped thousands of girls obtain higher education, highest in any city in Bangladesh.  Unfortunately, the schools are neglected and in dire need of help. The school cannot provide enough space for the students. The children are being taught in two shifts. They need to build two rooms on the second floor of the existing building.  Due to political problems, the prospect of having a new building may never materialize. in the meantime, vulnerable children are suffering a great deal and being deprived of good education in a conducive environment. To build these two rooms on the 2nd floor of the existing building, it will take only $10000 (ten thousand US dollars).  With your generous donation and support we can help these kids, mostly from poverty stricken families,  fulfill their dreams.  I take personal responsibility of this project. Work progress will be shared electronically with you. You will receive a handcrafted gift - bracelet - once we reach our goal by 12.25.2018.   Thank you.