In the small village of Atmor, Kochua, Chandpur, Asiya Begum lives with her four-member family. At 50 years old, Asiya is a woman who has overcome countless challenges. Having completed school up to the sixth grade, she married at the young age of 17. Life turned even more difficult after her husband, Monir Hossain, passed away, leaving her to rely on her eldest son—the sole breadwinner—who works abroad.

In April 2017, Asiya joined the Centre for Community Development Assistance (CCDA). At first, it seemed like just another opportunity, but over time, she realized this was the start of a new chapter for her family. Asiya has taken seven loans through the organization, utilizing each one wisely.

December 2024 marked a turning point in Asiya’s life. She received a sanitation loan of BDT 26,000 from CCDA. With this amount, she constructed a proper sanitation system for her home. Previously, the family relied on a simple tubewell, while sanitation facilities were inadequate. This new latrine brought significant changes to their daily lives.

The latrine and sanitation system, built with the loan, dramatically improved the family’s health and comfort. Asiya shared, “I now feel at peace. When my son calls from abroad, he is so happy to hear about the improvements at home. Our life has become much easier.”

Although the water quality has not yet been tested, the family is already reaping the benefits of the upgraded infrastructure. This improvement has greatly enhanced their quality of life.

Asiya’s plans are simple yet meaningful. She hopes her children can grow up in a safe and healthy environment. She believes the opportunities she has received have set an example for her family and community.

Asiya Begum’s story is not just one of personal development but also an illustration of the success of community-focused initiatives. Through the sanitation loan, Asiya has shown how the right support can transform lives. Her journey stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others in similar situations.