By Mohammed Sayem | Project leader
Introduction
This report highlights the transformative impact of UKBET's programme for education and empowerment of working children in Sylhet, Bangladesh, who struggle to survive by collecting waste materials in garbage dumps. The programme's key initiatives have been instrumental in creating positive change in the lives of these children.
Here is short documentary on the programme: https://youtu.be/HV9jTocsqdo
Impact of support
Through your generous support, UKBET's programme provides numeracy, literacy, and life skills sessions to these school dropout, vulnerable children who don’t have access to education. Fieldworkers ensure regular attendance at nearby learning centres, offering hope for a brighter future.
Key initiatives
Enrolment of children: 58 children now attend regular sessions at our UKBET learning centre, receiving quality education and essential support for returning to school or joining vocational training.
Progression to mainstream education or vocational training: 20 children have transitioned to mainstream education or vocational training, breaking free from child labour.
Immediate recruitment of progressed children: As 20 children progress, another 20 are promptly recruited into the programme, maintaining the cycle of positive impact.
Impact on family income: The Family Future Programme's micro grant initiative raises the income of 16 families with working children, breaking the cycle of poverty and child labour.
Mind-set change through community awareness programmes: Community-based awareness events foster a positive mind-set change and support for the children.
Story of Sorif (not real name)
14 years old Serif (Not real name) collects various items from the waste dump and sells them, as he must support his family. He had to drop out of school but was later enrolled in an NGO-run school, which unfortunately closed down. Currently, he attends the UKBET learning centre three days a week. His father used to sell shoes from a mobile cart, but the catastrophic flood of 2022 devastated his capital. Thankfully, UKBET’s programme provided financial support, enabling him to resume his business. Sorif (Not real name) regularly attends the UKBET learning centre, and his teacher has planned to enrol him in a vocational training programme in the future.
We need your continued support
Your steadfast commitment has touched countless lives, creating hope and opportunity.
Project for children collecting garbage in Sylhet - GlobalGiving
Please consider continuing your support and spreading the word to empower even more children.
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