At just 16 years old, Shanto faced an unthinkable reality—his parents abandoned him, leaving him to navigate life alone. In the face of heartbreak and hardship, he found an unexpected source of hope: education. But he didn’t walk this journey alone. His Compassion centre provided the holistic support he needed—mentorship, spiritual care, emotional encouragement and practical resources—so he could thrive despite immense hardship.

On International Day of Education, we reflect on the transformative power of education. Around the world, education is a beacon of hope, breaking the cycle of poverty for children, families and communities. For Shanto, a 16-year-old from Bangladesh, education is more than just a pathway to knowledge—it is his foundation for a brighter future.

5 ways education breaks the cycle of poverty

Shanto sits on a step in a white shirt and jeans. He is holding a textbook and smiling.

1. Education provides stability and hope

Shanto’s early years were filled with uncertainty. When his parents left him, he faced emotional and financial hardship. But his Compassion centre became his anchor, offering him a stable environment where he could learn and grow. More than just a place of study, it became a second home where caring mentors nurtured his potential and provided a sense of belonging. The friendships he built and the encouragement from his sponsor reassured him that his circumstances did not define his future. Through the holistic support of his Compassion centre, Shanto found the hope and stability that education brings.

2. Education opens doors to better employment

Despite working two jobs—painting and construction—Shanto’s earnings were barely enough to survive. Without an education, he was trapped in a cycle of low-wage labour. However, his Compassion centre ensured he stayed in school by covering his school fees, providing learning resources and offering tutoring. Through education, Shanto is gaining the skills necessary to secure stable, higher-paying work in the future. His dream is to one day have a career that allows him to support himself and give back to others who are facing the challenging realities of poverty. With the foundation of education and the support of Compassion, that dream is becoming possible.

 

Shanto holds a shovel and kneels in a pile of sand.

3. Education empowers children with life skills

At his Compassion centre, Shanto didn’t just receive classroom education—he learned practical life skills that would help him navigate adulthood. Financial literacy, problem-solving and leadership training equipped him with the tools to make informed decisions about his future. His mentors taught him how to set goals, advocate for himself and develop resilience in the face of challenges. With this holistic support, Shanto gained confidence in his abilities and started to dream beyond day-to-day survival. He is not just preparing for a job—he is preparing for a future of possibility.

4. Education strengthens communities

Shanto’s journey is not just about personal success—it is about collective transformation. His Compassion centre is a hub of empowerment for his community, providing workshops, vocational training and faith-based guidance that uplift entire families. As more children like Shanto receive education, the ripple effect strengthens the local economy, reduces crime and fosters a culture of self-reliance and generosity. His education will not only change his life—it has the power to uplift those around him, creating a cycle of opportunity for future generations.

Shanto holds a roller and paints a blue wall.

5. Education is a part of holistic child development

A Compassion centre is more than just an educational support system. It nurtures children spiritually, socio-emotionally, physically and cognitively—understanding that these elements work together to break the cycle of poverty. When Shanto’s mentors guided him through his grief, they weren’t just providing emotional comfort—they were strengthening his foundation for learning. The meals he received weren’t simply about physical nourishment—they were fuel for his education, ensuring he could concentrate and excel in his studies.

True transformation happens when education is part of a comprehensive approach to child development. While academic knowledge opens doors to economic opportunity, it’s the holistic support that gives children like Shanto the resilience to persist through challenges. His educational journey was strengthened by spiritual mentorship that grounded his sense of worth, physical care that kept him healthy and a supportive community that believed in his potential.

This integrated approach creates a powerful foundation for success: emotional support builds the confidence to tackle challenging subjects, spiritual guidance develops perseverance and physical care enables focused learning. Because of this comprehensive support, Shanto remained dedicated to his education despite facing abandonment and hardship. His story demonstrates that when we invest in the whole child—mind, body, heart and spirit—we create the conditions necessary for education to truly transform lives and break the cycle of poverty.

Shanto stands amidst green leaves in a plaid shirt and smiles.

The power of education in breaking poverty

Shanto’s story reminds us of the incredible potential education has to change lives. Through the support of Compassion and the power of learning, he is forging a new path—one where hope, stability and opportunity replace uncertainty and hardship.

Right now, children like Shanto are waiting for the support they need to stay in school and build a future.

Your gift can make that possible.

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Rebekah Malbrecht

Rebekah Malbrecht

Rebekah Malbrecht is a Content Specialist at Compassion Canada. She loves to wrestle with words, shape stories and document happiness. You're bound to find her where there are books, people and birthday cake.