What began as a small initiative with a few friends has gradually grown into a broader movement working in education, technology, skills development and social change. Through determination, continuous learning and a strong belief in human potential, Areful Islam, the founder of Sombhabona, has been working to turn opportunities into reality for disadvantaged communities.
Areful Islam studied English Literature, but an opportunity from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), supported by a World Bank scholarship, and changed the direction of his life. A scholarship and one-and-a-half years of professional training opened the door to a new world of technology and professional skills. His journey showed that academic background does not have to define the limits of a person’s future. With the right opportunity, willingness to learn and determination, it is possible to build a completely different career. Today, he works as a DevOps Engineer at a multinational company.
Alongside his professional journey, Areful never gave up his dream of contributing to society. As a student, he joined hands with a few friends to establish Sombhabona. Their vision was to create educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and help them grow into confident individuals who could contribute to the country’s development.
In the early days, many people considered the initiative an unrealistic dream. There were financial limitations, practical challenges and moments of uncertainty. Some questioned the possibility of the work, while others eventually stepped away. Areful, however, remained committed to his vision. He believed that wherever a journey begins, no obstacle is insurmountable when the goal is clear and the determination to move forward remains strong.
In 2011, Sombhabona launched its first initiative, Pushpokoli School, to provide free education to children from disadvantaged communities. The school gradually became the foundation of the organisation’s wider work. What started as a modest effort to bring education closer to children has grown into a broader approach that connects education with technology, practical skills and future opportunities.
Over the years, Sombhabona has expanded its activities into several areas, including primary and secondary education for disadvantaged children, technology training for young people, women’s skills development and employment opportunities. The organisation now reports reaching more than 100,000 people through eight projects. Around 50 young people, both in and outside Dhaka, are involved in different initiatives and innovative activities.
Making technology education accessible to everyone has become one of Sombhabona’s key priorities. Many young people remain excluded from modern technology and professional training because of financial and social barriers. To address this gap, Sombhabona established the Sombhabona Learning & Innovation Hub, where young people can develop practical skills in areas such as Graphic Design, Digital Marketing and IT Support and Services. The goal is not simply to provide training, but to help learners connect their skills with real opportunities.
One of the most important lessons from Areful’s own journey is that a person’s potential cannot be measured by their academic subject, background or starting point. His transition from studying English Literature to working in the technology sector reflects the value of continuous learning and access to new opportunities. He wants more young people to experience that same possibility of transformation.
Sombhabona’s journey is no longer the story of one person or a small group of friends. Volunteers, teachers, young professionals, entrepreneurs and well-wishers have joined the effort over the years. Their collective contribution has helped the organisation grow into a platform for education, skills development and social innovation.
For Areful, the dream is bigger than expanding an organisation. It is about creating an environment where disadvantaged children can discover their abilities, young people can gain relevant skills and build careers, and women can become economically independent. He envisions a future in which children who once had limited access to opportunities become skilled, confident and responsible citizens who contribute to building a better Bangladesh.
What began with a simple dream has gradually become a shared journey of possibility. Areful Islam’s story carries a powerful lesson: where someone starts does not determine where they can go. A clear goal, a willingness to learn and the courage to keep moving forward can turn even a modest beginning into meaningful change.