Expanding hope: A growing safe haven for education in Bangladesh

At the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation, we are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Our partnership with Speak Up for the Poor has provided a safe and supportive home for young women in Bangladesh, protecting them from child marriage and giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education. With our dormitory at full capacity and plans to expand, we are creating a brighter future for even more students. Read on to see how your support is changing lives, one young woman at a time.

Speak Up for the Poor in Bangladesh

We believe that education transforms lives. Our partnership with Speak Up for the Poor continues to create opportunities for young women in Bangladesh who would otherwise be at risk of child marriage and exploitation. With your support, our College Women’s Dormitory in Khulna has grown into a life-changing sanctuary—helping students pursue their dreams of higher education.

Since our partnership began in March 2022, the dormitory has expanded from housing 40 young women to an impressive 96 today. These young women, many of whom are studying to become nurses, educators, and professionals, now have a secure place to live while completing their education.

A safe home and a path to success

The 96-bed dormitory is more than just a place to stay—it is a thriving community. Each apartment, now equipped with kitchens and refrigerators funded by the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation, allows the students to cook and support one another as they prepare for their futures.

This year, the dormitory has been at full capacity, with young women moving in and out as they graduate, transition, and prepare for entrance exams into college or nursing school. This September, 30 recent high school graduates moved in to study for their upcoming college entrance exams. We anticipate that 90% of them will pass and gain admission—setting them on a life-changing journey of higher education.

Expanding for the future

To meet the growing need, we are actively searching for a new dormitory location for 2025. Our goal is to create space for up to 170 young women by the end of 2025—70 in the current dorm and 100 in the new facility. Looking ahead, we dream of purchasing or building a permanent dormitory complex that could house hundreds of students in a safe and supportive environment.

Stories of strength: Meet Shrishty and Laboni

Behind every number is a powerful story of resilience. Meet two incredible young women whose lives have been transformed through the GEP College Dormitory Program.

Shrishty, a second-year university student, faced immense challenges just to continue her education. Political unrest near her university made it unsafe for her to remain on campus, forcing her to commute up to four hours a day just to attend classes. Thanks to the dormitory, she now has a safe place to live while continuing her studies. Once uncertain about her future, she now dreams of becoming a fashion designer or teacher—a future made possible by your support.

Laboni, a dedicated student and mentor, grew up in a village where many young girls were forced into early marriage. Today, she is not only pursuing her own education but also working as a tutor for young girls from low-income families. She is a role model—showing that with education, barriers can be broken and lives can change.

Every bed in the GEP College Dormitory represents a life changed. Your contributions help provide housing, education, and hope for young women who might otherwise never have the chance to continue their studies. As we prepare for our next phase of expansion, we invite you to continue supporting this mission—because every young woman deserves a future filled with opportunity.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are empowering the next generation of leaders, teachers, and changemakers.

*This is not a guarantee of any particular income. Individual results will vary. Please refer to our income disclosure statement at aseaglobal.com/opportunity/ This material is intended for a US audience only.