A young girl walks through smoke and dust, carrying her baby sister on her back. The air is heavy, filled with shattered and dispersed materials with a smell of burning. The ground beneath her feet is rough, yet she walks. She has no shoes or toys, even no school to attend. Her dress is torn, face is dirty and her hair is messy. Yet, she carries more than her sister—she carries the weight of responsibility and wisdom far beyond her tender years.
Each day, she goes out to find food and water for her little sister. Though she is still a child herself, she has learned how to survive. Her small arms may tremble, but they hold her sister tightly, making her feel safe in a world full of pain. Surrounded by destruction and despair, but keeping a beam of strength and hope. She has learned to be brave in every situation, even when she is afraid, even when she stands alone and even when overthrown as a human being.
She dreams of a world with peace and purity—a place where she and her sister can live a normal life. Her eyes are tired, yet they shine bright with hope. She does not allow misery to stop her. Even with fires rising behind her, she keeps moving forward, one step at a time
She believes there will be a day, when the world will change— that kindness will find them. The girl carries not only her sister on her back but also a heart full of courage and dreams. Even in darkness, her hope becomes the light that guides her through the world.
Usrat Islam Shifa, 26Lamia is standing in a large, dusty area, that is not a park or a playground, it's similar to a garbage dump. The ground is littered with waste, and the air is thick with dust. Her eyes hold a solemn courage. They are vast, and brimmed with sorrow yet tempered with courage.
On her back, she is carrying her little brother, Alif, who is only six years old. Despite the harsh surroundings, Lamia clasps him with gentle care and tender grace. Alif lays his head upon her shoulder, placing all his trust in her steadfast embrace. She is not mere a child —she is the guardian of her little brother. In this hard, dusty place, her job is to guard him , tend to his needs, and see that he endures.
Lamia lost her parents at an early age. Having no one beside her except, her little brother. Together they traverse their cruel world, side by side. Upon her tender shoulders rests the weight of duty, yet she allows it not to crush her spirit. Lamia knows she must be strong for Alif and shepherd him through each arduous day
Despite the hardships, Lamia's heart keeps a tender vision alive. She envisions a day when all their sorrow will cease and they may begin a happy, peaceful life together. She graps that hope strongly. The journey is hardening, her eyes are tiring and yet she is shining with determination.
Lamia's courage, hope, and love for her brother makes her a beacon in a world full of struggle and despair. She tells herself, “It may be difficult, but I will keep going for my brother.”
Samiul Islam, 50