By Rina Akter from Singair, Manikganj
For 15-year-old Purnima Rani Das, flowers are more than a source of beauty; they have become a means of supporting her family while continuing her education.
Being a student of Class Eight at GG Model High School, Purnima lives with her parents and six-year-old brother in a low-income family in Binodpur Rishipara village of Singair. Her father, Chandan Das, works as a day laborer. When he finds work, the family can manage their daily needs; when he cannot, they often have to borrow money.
Because of financial hardship, continuing school had become difficult for Purnima. She wanted to study like other children but felt unable to ask her parents for educational expenses. She began looking for a way to earn while remaining in school.
Her opportunity came through Azgar Mia, a local farmer who grows marigolds beside the Dhaleshwari River and sells flower garlands. He employs local women to make garlands. Purnima learned about the work through a neighbor and discussed it with her mother. Initially hesitant, her mother eventually agreed.
Under the arrangement, Purnima and her mother collect and carefully sort marigolds from the field before making garlands at home. They receive Tk. 12 per garland. By producing around 20 garlands a day, they can earn approximately Tk. 240.
Purnima later asked her mother to let her return to school. Her mother was initially concerned that there would be no one to make the garlands. Purnima proposed collecting and sorting flowers before school and completing the remaining work afterward. Her mother agreed and helped finish the garlands while managing household responsibilities.
The flower business has enabled Purnima to contribute to her family while returning to school. She dreams of one day establishing a large flower garden where many people can find employment and build better lives.