Doorstep learning for girls in domestic work

Doorstep Learning brings basic education, healthcare and support to children forced to work as domestic servants due to family poverty. Our programme gives children access to education and support to move out of forced labour. It also helps end their family’s dependency on child labour.

Key information about the project:

-        204 young girls and 152 of the families of working children, which in total is over 900 children and adult beneficiaries Schools were closed for much of 2021 but in the short time they were open,

-        48 out of 204 girls left work for school 51 younger siblings of working children broke the pattern of following their sisters into work and went to school instead

-        32 young women enrolled into vocational training as an important step towards a new and better future

-        12 awareness-raising programmes were organised for families and other local stakeholders highlighting children’s rights and the importance of education

-        30 micro-grants were awarded to help families generate a secure income and reduce or stop dependency on their working children

-        343 family members were supported to get COVID-19 vaccinations and arrangements made with Sylhet Corporation for UKBET children to be vaccinated.

-        New clothe, food packs were provided to children at Eid Festival on May 2022

-        We have also provided emergency food, medicine to the families of the children who were affected by huge flood in Sylhet area.

Imrana ' s story

As a child, Imrana's mother left the family, leaving her unemployed, visually-impaired father to raise the children alone. From a very young age Imrana worked with both of her aunts who are domestic workers in different households. Given the desperate need for income to support her family, Imrana soon dropped out of primary school and became a full-time domestic worker. In 2021 Imrana met one of our UKBET teachers, Ms Bushra, and was inspired to get back into school. As part of our work with the families of working children, Ms Bushra convinced Imrana’s aunties to allow her to take part in UKBET’s Doorstep Learning Project. When she heard the news Imrana was delighted! Given a young life full of many struggles, Imrana had lost her hope of a good education. However, now through her classes with UKBET, she has started to feel like she finally has a choice about her life. She is now determined to complete her studies and become financially independent.

Thank you very much for all your generous supports!