Mizan Mohsin, Saidpur
At Free Amin Government Primary School opposite Saidpur Railway Station, head teacher Fatema Parvin helps children overcome hardship through education, confidence and humanity.
Established in 1952, the school has 222 students and eight assistant teachers. Many come from lower-middle-income families, while some face financial hardship, family separation, displacement or homelessness. Some students even arrive without having eaten, yet they attend classes, take part in sports and participate in English debates. Fatema believes children should not be defined by their difficulties but encouraged to recognise their potential.
Alongside the regular curriculum, she has introduced initiatives including a hydration break every one and a half hours, a “Friend Support Bank,” “Show and Tell,” an English Language Club and peer tutoring. The school also promotes humane education through care and compassion for animals.
Before leaving each day, students ask themselves: “What did I learn today? What will I learn tomorrow?” Fatema believes this helps them reflect on their learning and growth.
The school generally produces five to six talent-pool and general-grade scholarship recipients yearly, but Fatema does not consider examination results the only measure of success.
She joined teaching in 1996 while studying for her BSc at Saidpur College. She was recognised as the best teacher at the upazila level in 2000 and 2018 and at the district level in 2015. She was also recognised as an outstanding teacher in 2025. In 2026, she was selected as the best outstanding teacher at the Rangpur divisional level and secured a place among the top 15 nationally.
But recognition is not her ultimate goal. She wants children facing difficult circumstances to grow into confident and self-reliant people.
Nine-year-old Sohan, a Class Four student, is one example. His father is visually impaired and his mother works in other people’s homes. Despite financial difficulties, he continues his studies with determination.
Seven-year-old Zakir, a Class Two student, works at a shop after school and sometimes stays until late at night. His six-year-old brother, Yasin, accompanies him. Despite their difficult circumstances, both continue their education and have shown academic promiseFatema dreams of ensuring that the circumstances into which children are born do not determine their future. She believes schools should not only produce good examination results but also help shape confident, humane and responsible citizens. With knowledge, humanity and self-confidence, she believes they can overcome adversity and write their own futures. #EK
