Living in a village in northern Bangladesh, Hafzarun works as a Health Leader, delivering health education to improve the health and wellbeing of local families, as part of Opportunity's global health program.

Born with a visual impairment due to a damaged right eye, along with permanent burn damage to her hand, Hafzarun has never allowed her disability to limit her passion for learning or her determination to help others in her community.

Hafzarun began working with Opportunity International Australia's local partner, BURO Bangladesh, after meeting a Health Supervisor in her village. Inspired by the chance to serve her community, she embraced the opportunity.

Through perseverance, Hafzarun successfully passed both written and oral examinations before undertaking four days of training for her new role with BURO. However, not everyone believed in her abilities. Her mother-in-law and husband initially questioned whether she was capable of fulfilling the role, even expressing concerns that her disability might be inherited by future generations. Hafzarun took great satisfaction in proving them wrong.

In addition to her role as a Health Leader, Hafzarun also runs a tea shop with her husband, Maifizur. With the help of a small loan from BURO, they were able to establish their business, which provides them with stability, flexibility, and a steady income. Maifizur also experiences mobility challenges, and having their own business allows them to support each other while working in their business. 

The tea shop enables Hafzarun and Maifizur to better support their two children. Their eight-year-old son has recently been enrolled in a quality local school, and their seven-year-old daughter will be enrolled once they increase their earnings and savings. Hafzarun finds deep purpose and fulfillment in her role, as she provides vital health education to her community, helping others lead healthier lives and making a tangible difference to local families.

My family and I are very grateful for the Health Leaders program. Words cannot express how much I have benefited from this work."

As she continues her work in the community, Hafzarun hopes to see the Health Leaders initiative expand to every village in Bangladesh. She believes that such programs have the power to uplift not just individuals but entire communities and, ultimately, the country as a whole.

Project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). 

Read more about Opportunity’s work in disability inclusion:

• Strong bond helps couple run successful business
• Deepening our work in disability inclusion
• Self-help groups supporting people with disabilities