Having the privilege to visit the Sweeper (Horijon) and River Gypsies (Bede) communities in Tanbazar, Narayanganj, and Sirajdikhan, Munshiganj, I noticed one common factor among both communities. Even though both communities have different lifestyles, they all share a similar cry for action, for they want to improve their living standards. My initial thought was that even with all the hardships, they are surviving; that is commendable.

I am Raufun Nabi, Documentation Officer of Alokito Shishu Trust (AST) and a proud member of the ARC Initiative.

While interacting with the community members, a question circled my mind. How will years of isolation, injustice, and reserved behavior be addressed? They are used to fighting and giving up, to the point of accepting any help coming from external sources. However, they all shared one viewpoint: they wanted to create a better opportunity for their children and youth.

I have faith in both communities. They have the inner potential to fight and survive on their own. It is our prime objective to make them realize their potential. Only then will they be the changemakers and be in the driver's seat for their community, requiring no external support.

Every great beginning will have a hard start. Change starts small, multiplying to turn into a massive cause.

We have seen examples historically, when people were united, they had the upper hand to do anything be it launching any program or creating an impactful change even in a nation. Had the youth in 1971 never took to their hands in unison would we would never have seen an independent Bangladesh