1,000 children from marginalised communities choose their Eid outfits

Eid is a time of joy, new clothes, and celebrating with loved ones, but for many children, this festive season can also bring quiet worries.

Keya, a 12-year-old student at Kurigram Special School who has speech and hearing impairments, is one such child. Her father works as a van driver, and considering the family's limited financial means, Keya knew that buying the outfit she truly wanted for Eid might not be possible, says a press release.

This Eid, however, turned out to be different. Through sign language communicated via the head teacher, Keya shared how happy she felt to choose her own outfit.

The school's head teacher explained that while students occasionally receive donated Eid clothes from various organisations, this experience was completely different. This time, the children were able to choose their own outfits-creating a unique and joyful moment for them.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the 'Guardian Eid Market' was organised for more than 1,000 children from marginalized communities and children with disabilities, including Keya. The initiative was organised by Guardian Life Insurance Limited with the support of Bangladesh Youth Organization (BYO) Development Foundation.

The Guardian Eid Market was held across 13 districts of the country-Kurigram, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Bhola, Bogura, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Cumilla, Dhaka, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Barishal, and Tangail.

Detepriya Roy Chowdhury, Senior Assistant Vice President of Guardian Life Insurance Limited, said, "When a child has the opportunity to choose something according to their own preference, it not only brings joy but also builds their confidence."

Zihad Akanda, Founder and Executive Director of BYO Development Foundation, said, "With BYO's initiative and the support of Guardian Life, 1,000 children were able to receive Eid outfits in their preferred colours and designs."