By Mohammed Sayem | Executive Director
In Bangladesh, 1.7 million children endure hazardous child labour daily, risking their lives. With your kind and generous support, we are running the Doorstep Learning Programme for Girls in Domestic Labour. This initiative provides education, skills training, nourishing snacks, empowers families, raises awareness, and creates joyful moments.
Here is an update on our activities over the last six months:
Education Sessions: 263 children engaged in domestic labour are attending regular education sessions focusing on literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
Nutritional Support: All attending children receive a packet of Euglena biscuits daily, rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This is crucial as many working children suffer from malnutrition.
Additional Support in Education: 49 children have been receiving tuition support, as many of them are struggling with their education after returning to school following a long absence. Furthermore, 11 siblings are also being supported with private tuition.
Vocational Training: We have enrolled 57 working children in vocational training programmes. Upon completion, they will leave domestic labour for safer, decent jobs.
Tuition Support: 37 former working children who have returned to school are receiving tuition support to help them catch up after prolonged absences.
Micro-Grants: We have provided micro-grants to 37 families to start or expand small businesses, reducing their reliance on their children's income. This initiative has proven highly effective in combating child labour.
Awareness Programmes: We have organised nine community-based awareness programmes to educate people on child rights, child protection, child labour, and child marriage.
Story of Mahmuda (Not her real name)
In the flood-prone village of Sunamganj, a bright ten-year-old named Mahmuda (not her real name) faced the harsh realities of life. With two sisters and two brothers, her family struggled under the weight of poverty. Her father was unemployed, and her mother could no longer work. Amidst the difficult situation, the family had to leave their village and migrate to the urban area of Sylhet. Mahmuda and her eldest sister, just fourteen, shouldered the responsibility of supporting their family.
Despite her desire to study, Mahmuda couldn't attend school due to their financial struggles. Instead of playing and learning like other children her age, she was sent to work in other people’s homes to earn money for her family. Seeing her potential, Saniya Ahmed (not her real name), a teacher with the UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET), included her in our Doorstep Learning Project.
For a year, Mahmuda eagerly attended our nursery class. With UKBET's support, she was finally enrolled in the 1st grade in 2024. The joy on her face was a testament to her happiness and relief. Mahmuda's journey from child labour to the classroom is a powerful example of how education can transform lives. Through the Doorstep Learning Project, UKBET has given Mahmuda and many others a chance to hope and dream for a better future.
Together, let's change the lives of the most vulnerable children in Bangladesh.
Thank you for your generous support.
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