ACHIA, 12, MOVED FROM RURAL BANGLADESH TO DHAKA WITH HER PARENTS
Thousands of children like Achia are on the move in Bangladesh today. Most of them migrate with their parents to bigger cities like Dhaka.
For many families, migration promises the chance of a better life and an opportunity to find work and education. However, the crowded and poor environment most migrants face in Dhaka is difficult for many children.
When families migrate, children also become more vulnerable to discrimination, violence, abuse and exploitation.
"I felt bad coming to Dhaka," Achia says. "There are bad boys disturbing where we live. The place is very dirty and bad smelling. There are lots of people. So, I didn't like coming to Dhaka."
She lives with her family in a rented room, sharing a courtyard and one common toilet with 11 other families. The difference to her childhood home is stark.
"Here, boys are very bad," Achia says. "And the environment is very dirty."
HOW WE ARE HELPING ACHIA
The activity centre Achia goes to was set up by Save the Children and is run by our partner organisation Incidin Bangladesh. It offers a safe place to meet, play and socialise with other children, and support from trained staff.
"I feel good when I come to the centre," Achia says. "I usually come here every day. When I'm here, I can forget about the bad environment. I play chess and basketball. Then we all have fun together."
The centres in Dhaka that Save the Children runs with support from Incidin Bangladesh are set up near to deprived areas where many migrants who come to Dhaka live. There are trained staff at all five centres that support the children who come there.
* Achia's name has been changed to protect her identity
