May Yoi Ching Marma lives in a remote, indigenous village in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, close to the city of Bandarban in south-east Bangladesh near the Burmese border. She lives in a poor and oppressed community where most girls are forced into labour and adult life at a young age.In Bangladesh, more than half of indigenous children aged 6-10 years remain out of school, and the majority of those who do enrol drop out before completing primary school because schools are too far away.Attending school was never an option for May Yoi Ching because of the economic situation of the family. But, a few years ago the “Ikea Foundation” funded an education project, run by “Save the Children” in May Yoi’s village. The project was a six-month sewing course which she was able to attend. It was close to her parents’ home.May Yoi Ching is now 19 years-old and is now a skilled tailor. She designs, makes and sells clothes to people in her village and the surrounding villages. She also teaches other girls in her community how to sew, which gives them independence and saves them from child marriage and labour. Likely, some of them was even saved from sex-work.“As a young girl,” says May Yoi Ching. “I never had the opportunity to go to school. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to school. It’s unfair, but here it’s just life.”“Child marriage is a big problem among poor families,” says May Yoi Ching. “While it was never suggested to me as a child, I’m surrounded by girls who have been forced into marriage at a young age.”“Marriage is often used as an alternative to education for poor girls,” says May Yoi Ching. “I’m so thankful not to have been subjected to this curse. I am part of a lucky minority.”“Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been enthusiastic about designing and I always used to stitch designs in my clothes.”“When I was 15 years old, ‘Save the Children’ told me that the ‘Ikea Foundation’ was funding a sewing course in my village. I was so excited that I signed up straight away. The course was six months long and meant that I could receive a quality education close to my parents’ home.”“Four years on and I am a skilled tailor. I make and sew clothes and sell them to people in my local area. I also teach other girls in my village how to sew. I am giving them an education and helping them to become independent which means they can have a better future and perhaps avoid to fall into sex-work.”“I am now happily married. I’m so lucky that I was able to get an education before I married my husband and, I’m now able to financially support my family. I have demonstrated that girls are not a burden, but a blessing to their parents. My family and community are very proud of me. People respect me and love my designs so now I receive orders from many of them. Even people from neighbouring villages have heard about my designs and are placing orders.”“I get scared when I think about what my life could have been like if I hadn’t been given this opportunity. I couldn’t be happier that I’ve been able to fulfil my dream of becoming a fashion designer. One day I hope to be famous!”“I think education should be made mandatory and possible for children in Bangladesh. It’s so important for children to receive an education because it enlightens you and helps you achieve your goals.”
