Sonia a class seven student of the school said that she finds her school very interesting. "Our teachers take good care of us," she said. After school hour Sonia sells flower in the Shahbag area. Her family cannot afford to send her to a regular school.

The school is an effort of late Ahmad Safa, a prominent writer. After his death friends of the writer opened up Safa Trust and took over all the responsibility of the school. In the beginning the school was opened for Katabon slum children. It soon attracted more students from other areas.

Mukta lives at Shabjibagan near Ramna Police Station. "Every day I walk my way to school. My parents are more interested than me," she said.

With nine full and part time teachers the school provides free education up to class eight and books for everyone. From last year the school started distributing free uniforms. There is also a free health check-up every fifteen days. There are regular parents teacher meetings and also regular house visits by teachers. Cultural programmes are held to keep the students in high spirit.

"I send my daughter to this school because it is free. With my little income I cannot provide for education," said Ainun, a domestic help in Hatirpool area. She mentioned that she is very lucky to find such a school.

The school runs its operation on donation from individuals and organisations. With no state contribution so far and shortage of money, the school committee often goes through difficult times.

Headmaster of the school Abul Hasan said that due to space constraint they have to continue education in a very crowded condition.

"Sometimes we are forced to use the teachers room due to space constraint," Hasan said.

"This year we still could not buy books for distribution. We are reusing books from last year," he added.

"Around 62 percent of our students are girls," he added

One of the common experiences of the school is parents of the boys send them to work and girls are married off at a very early age. "During house visits we have to persuade some parents to send their children back," the headmaster said. Parents however are more attentive these days.

"In 2005 we had 40 percent dropout rate but the rate is dropping," he added.

After students' finish class eight, the school authority helps them pursue higher education in other institutions. Md. Abbas Uddin finished his study a year ago. He is now attending SSC level education at the Open University. Abbas also works at the school after study.

The school is planning to add vocational education for the student from this year, which will include computer skill and special English language training.