Stories about children’s days
Sonju,16 year old boy
About Sonju’s life
Sonju resides in a two-room house with his father, mother, brother, sister-in-law and younger sister.
Sonju’s father and mother both work at night. His mother runs a shop, and his father works in a factory. Sonju has been working since a very young age. In his current workplace he is a machine operator in a leather factory. He was promised a salary of BDT 10,000 (US $91) per month but he usually receives BDT 7-8,000 (US $63 – 73) after earnings are deducted for the days that he misses in a month. Sonju spends his evenings partying with his friends. By partying, Sonju means drinking alcohol on the rooftops of buildings and smoking marijuana.
On 13 of March 2023, Sonju recorded his daily life, his journeys and his experiences at home, at work and with friends. He works between 10am and 8pm, breaking for tea and to visit a friend. Sonju carries a hefty amount of marijuana with him and smokes it at regular intervals throughout the day.
Children smoking cannabis on a roof top
The previous machine operator had an accident and cut himself, so I was promoted from helper to machine operator. I have not experienced any accidents and am working very carefully.’
Cannabis being smoked / street scene of drug takin
Sonju feels his workplace and his community are safe for him, he feels least safe operating machinery in the factory where he works, he thinks that using them is risky.
There is an area near his work where he buys weed and ecstasy tablets. Sonju worries about getting caught by the police there. It is his perspective that drug taking is relaxing and helps him to reduce his anxiety.
In Sonju’s childhood his father used to come home drunk and beat up his mother. Sonju’s father has gambling and drinking habits, and this forms a core, recurrent financial crisis for the family.
“Most days there is no cooking at home due to us having no gas. It is normal for me not to eat at home”
The corridor leading to Sonju’s home (in a large building split into many small units)
Sonju in his workplace
Sonju is thinking about his future. He takes an interest in a girl he works with and has sent a proposal via his manager to ask for her marriage, but she has rejected him. Sonju spends his afternoon break helping a girl who is married, but who has been left by her husband. Sonju gives her some money and acts as a good friend and tries to help her get her husband back.
Sonju walking with a friend on his lunch break
Sonju’s day
Sonju’s experience
Yesterday my friends all received their salary. So, we were partying the whole night. Even though I did not get my salary, I still enjoyed the night with my friends. We all drank, smoked and did not sleep the entire night.
In the morning I had a huge breakfast. So right now, I am feeling exhausted. But I cannot rest, I have to go to the factory to work. I could take today off, but I did not go to the factory yesterday and the day before yesterday I took a half day off. So, although I will be tired and weak at work, I have no choice but to go now.
Researcher’s experience
I find Sonju sitting in the street in front of a shop. He was partying all night and he did not sleep.
Sonju goes to his house’s rooftop to smoke cannabis. He says that he has to smoke it regularly. Without it his whole day will be bad.
Although he has some time to rest he goes towards his factory instead of going home.
A street in the neighbourhood
Sonju’s experience
I am going to drink tea and smoke while I wait for my boss to open the factory. When I went to collect money for breakfast from the boss, he informed me that the girl I like in my factory has refused my proposal to marry. Now I feel rejected. I have to do something so that she will notice me. I cannot think about what I will do right now, I will think about it later.
I have two cups of tea and a cigarette for breakfast at the tea shop. I have not eaten breakfast at home since I was eight years old. I have to arrange breakfast by myself.
Right now, I am not feeling so bad as I just took cannabis. But later, in the workplace, I may feel bad. As usual, when the workload increases, I will feel bad.
Researcher’s experience
In Sonju’s home, each family member manages their breakfast separately. His parents do not give him any money for breakfast.
Sonju operating a machine in his factory
Sonju’s experience
I am not in the mood to work but I have to work today as I have missed the last two days. Two hours into work, I am feeling good and bad at the same time now. It’s like there is a mixed emotion within me.
I am feeling sleepy and dizzy. I just want to take a nap, but I can’t. I am feeling restless and feeling uncomfortable. I feel pressure on my eyes, and I find it difficult to stay awake. I know I need to be alert and focused and I am determined to get my work done.
Researcher’s experience
Sonju smokes in the factory openly. He smokes cigarettes and cannabis many times throughout the day during his working hours, to overcome his tiredness and exhaustion.
Sore hands from operating a machine
Sonju’s experience
It’s about 2pm. I am with my friend, and I am having a good time with her. I am also happy being away from work. After I help my friend, I am feeling happy. Though I have nothing to gain from helping her I am glad to be here with her. I always try to help my friends and the people in my life. As she is my close friend, by helping her I feel good. After dropping her off at her workplace I go to my factory. Though I did not eat my lunch, I am not feeling hungry. Because I ate a lot of breakfast in the morning. So I can start work right away.
Researcher’s experience
It is Sonju’s break time. Today he uses this time to accompany his friend somewhere, instead of eating lunch. He and his friend are trying to bring back her husband with magic. He enjoys being with her.
A machine operated by Sonju
Sonju’s experience
I am feeling good. I feel more relaxed now than before. Before the lunch break, I was feeling unproductive. Though I am not fully energetic right now, I am feeling better than before, because I took a break from work. Though my supervisor yelled at me for being late back to work, I do not care. A few hours later, I am no longer feeling sleepy. I am feeling better now. Also, I took some cannabis just before. So, I am feeling refreshed.
Researcher’s experience
Towards the end of the day is very exciting for Sonju. Within an hour he can get out of this factory. He is feeling excited for another reason also. His friend came to the factory and told him to go to her home to chat.
Explore Sonju’s journey
Rama, 17, supports her family by working as a beautician in the daytime and as a dancer in a dance bar at night.
Supriya, 16, works in a party palace (party venue) from 5pm until midnight.
Pema, 15, works in events catering in the afternoons and evenings, after going to college in the morning.
Khem, 17, has worked for a relative in a khaja ghar (small eatery) since he was ten years old.