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A home from home

Subir Das, 24, from Bangladesh, is representing young people from Asia at the Conference for Commonwealth Education Ministers

A few days before the conference began I was part of a Commonwealth organised ‘Homestay’ programme, which placed young people like me in a rural Malaysian village in Malacca to learn about traditional cultures and traditions.

My experience living with a family for three days was overwhelming. They were so humble, kind and generous. I felt as though I was back in my own country, sitting round the table with my family.

Even after such a short period of time I felt a surprising emotional attachment to this family, which took care of me, fed me and cared for me without asking for anything in return.

This level of hospitality took me by surprise and definitely jolted me into reassessing how I work with and treat people back in Bangladesh.

I run the youth programme of a charity – Young Power in Social Action – and part of the work I plan to focus on in the near future is helping disabled youth get better access to education. The family I lived with have inspired me to go head first into this project as soon as I return.

Without knowing it, I was offered a home away from home, from people that didn’t owe me anything. Their selflessness will not easily be forgotten and must stay with me in my efforts to help disabled young people, many of whom don’t have access to basic education.

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