Safe Haven for Shopna’s Family: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Bancha Nagar

From fragility to fortitude: Your donation crafts a foundation for lasting change.

Nestled in the resilient yet vulnerable coastal village of Bancha Nagar, Ward No. 14, Laxmipur Sadar Upazila, Lakshmipur District, Shopna’s family embodies the quiet struggles of millions in rural Bangladesh. Shopna, a devoted mother in her mid-30s, shares a cramped, makeshift shelter with her husband, their young daughter, and son. What began as a simple home has deteriorated into a perilously unstable structure: walls patched with salvaged bamboo and mud, a tin roof riddled with holes that funnel monsoon rains directly onto their sleeping mats. Each storm season—from June to October—brings dread, as floods from the nearby Meghna River threaten to wash away their few possessions and expose them to relentless downpours.

Shopna’s husband, once the family’s primary provider as a woodcutter in the mangrove fringes, now battles a chronic respiratory illness exacerbated by years of exposure to damp air and pollutants. His condition confines him to bed on most days, slashing their already meager income from occasional odd jobs and forest foraging to barely enough for one meal a day. Clean water is a distant luxury; the family relies on shallow, contaminated ponds shared with livestock, leading to recurrent bouts of diarrhea and fevers that drain what little savings they have. Proper sanitation is nonexistent, forcing Shopna to improvise in the open, a practice that not only undermines her dignity but heightens risks of infection for her children, who are at critical ages for growth and learning.

Education, Shopna’s deepest hope for breaking the cycle, hangs by a thread. Her daughter, bright-eyed and eager at 10 years old, dreams of becoming a teacher, while her 7-year-old son sketches boats on scraps of paper, inspired by the river life around them. Yet, uniforms, books, and fees remain unpaid, forcing sporadic absences that widen the gap between them and a stable future. “Every night, as the roof drips and my children cough in the dark, I pray for a dry corner where they can study without fear,” Shopna confides. Her words echo the raw vulnerability of families caught in poverty’s undertow, where survival eclipses aspiration.

The Broader Context: A Nation Under Strain

Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in poverty reduction—halving extreme poverty between 2000 and 2010—has been overshadowed by recent setbacks. As of 2025, the national poverty rate has surged to nearly 28%, up sharply from 18.7% in 2022, driven by economic shocks, inflation, climate vulnerabilities, and political instability. In Lakshmipur District, the situation is even more acute, with an upper poverty headcount ratio of 32.5%, reflecting limited infrastructure, seasonal unemployment, and exposure to cyclones and salinity intrusion in this coastal belt. Bancha Nagar, part of the Chittagong Division, exemplifies these challenges: while the division boasts some of the lowest extreme poverty rates nationally (around 5.5%), moderate poverty affects over 37% of households, compounded by inadequate access to sanitation (only 68% improved in rural Lakshmipur) and clean water (22% reliant on contaminated sources). For families like Shopna’s, with a chronically ill member, these systemic barriers create a vicious cycle of health crises, debt, and lost opportunities—urgently demanding targeted intervention to prevent irreversible harm.

Our Mission: Dignity, Security, and Opportunity

Through this campaign, Animation Liberate for Organize (ALO) partners with local communities to raise USD 2,923, delivering a comprehensive lifeline: a durable home for shelter, clean water and sanitation for health, and essential support for education and medical needs. This isn’t charity—it’s an investment in human potential, fostering self-reliance and hope in a region where small changes yield profound ripples.

What Your Support Delivers: A Transparent Breakdown

Your donation fuels tangible, verified outcomes. Here’s how funds are allocated:

Total Goal: USD 2,923 – Fully funds the project, with surplus supporting ongoing family needs like school fees.

Impactful Donation Tiers: Every Gift Counts

Tailor your contribution to your means and see its direct effect:

• $10: Notebooks and pens for the children’s one school term—sparking daily learning.
• $20: A week’s groceries—rice, lentils, and vegetables for nourished bodies.
• $25: Roofing sheets or paint repairs—patching leaks for immediate relief.
• $40: A school uniform—restoring pride and attendance.
• $50: Full term’s school supplies—books and bags for focused study.
• $75: One month’s medicines—easing her husband’s pain and preventing flare-ups.
• $100: Skilled labor for house framing—laying the groundwork for security.
• $150: Bricks and sand for foundations—building stability from the ground up.
• $200: Monthly nutritional boost plus books—fueling growth and curiosity.
• $250: Complete sanitation facility—dignity in every use.
• $300: Wood and tin for roofing—sealing out the storms.
• $400: Basic furniture (bed, table)—comfort in their new haven.
• $500: Deep-tube well installation—pure water for generations.
• $750: Doors, windows, and flooring—finishing touches for a true home.
• $1,000: Major step toward full construction—accelerating transformation.
• $2,923: Funds the entire project—your legacy of change.

Unwavering Transparency & Accountability

We prioritize trust: 90%+ of funds reach the family directly for materials, labor, and essentials. Local representatives and ALO oversee every phase, verifying progress through community audits. Donors receive:

• Bi-Annual Reports: Detailed updates with photos, videos, and interviews from Shopna’s family.
• Milestone Documentation: Immediate post-completion gallery and heartfelt video testimonial.
• Budget Safeguards: Strict 10% cap on admin costs, with full financial breakdowns available upon request.

Join the Movement: Act Now for Lasting Impact

Shopna’s family isn’t just surviving—they’re yearning to thrive. In a world where 28% of Bangladeshis face poverty’s shadow, your action today illuminates a path forward: a home that stands firm, water that heals, and education that empowers. Add to cart, select your tier, and become part of their story. For the full narrative and to donate securely, visit animationliberate-bd.org/peoples-voice-34-hardships-woodcutters-family-banchanagar. Together, we don’t just build walls—we build futures. What will your impact be?