Give child labourers an education in Bangladesh

Empowering Change: Education and Transformation in Sylhet, Bangladesh

We are delighted to extend our deepest appreciation for your unwavering support of UKBET’s initiatives in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Your contributions have sparked significant change in the lives of vulnerable working children, particularly those involved in domestic labor. This report highlights the profound impact your generosity has had on these young lives.

Transformative Impact of Your Contributions

Your support has been instrumental in driving UKBET’s mission forward, enabling us to provide essential education in numeracy, literacy, and life skills to children who would otherwise be deprived of these opportunities due to their labor commitments. Our dedicated community teachers are relentless in their efforts, bringing education directly to the homes of these children, offering them a vital opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and child labor.

Current Initiatives

Educational Support

At present, 264 children engaged in domestic labor are participating in regular educational sessions. In addition, 38 children who have transitioned into formal schooling with our help, but are facing challenges keeping up with their peers, are receiving crucial tuition support to help them succeed.

Vocational Training

We have enrolled 79 girls in vocational training programs, where they are learning valuable skills such as clothes making, mobile phone repair, and electrical work. These skills are empowering them to build a future with greater economic independence.

Economic Empowerment

This year, 70 families will receive micro-grants aimed at starting or expanding small businesses, which will reduce their reliance on the income generated by their children and contribute to long-term economic stability.

Awareness Campaigns

To date, we have conducted four awareness campaigns in neighborhoods where working children live, and an additional 12 campaigns are scheduled for this week. These initiatives are crucial in raising awareness about the importance of education and the dangers of child labor.

Teacher Training

Our community teachers recently participated in a comprehensive training program designed to enhance their teaching methods and improve their ability to support working children and their families. This training ensures that our teachers are well-equipped to provide the highest quality education and support.

The Story of Mahmuda( Not real name)

 In the flood-affected village of Sunamganj, a ten-year-old girl, Mahmuda ( Not real name) faced the harsh challenges of life. With two sisters and two brothers, her family struggled under severe poverty. Her father was unemployed, and her mother was unable to work. Forced by circumstances, the family left their village and moved to the urban area of Sylhet, where Mahmuda ( Not real name)and her fourteen-year-old sister had to take on the responsibility of earning for the family.

 Mahmuda ( Not real name), like many children, longed for an education, but her family's financial situation prevented her from attending school. Instead, she was sent to work in other people’s homes. Recognizing her potential, Saniya Ahmed ( Not real name), a UKBET teacher, included Mahmuda ( Not real name) in our Doorstep Learning Project.

 For a year, Mahmuda ( Not real name) eagerly attended our nursery class, and in 2024, with UKBET's support, she was finally enrolled in the 1st grade. The joy and relief on her face were palpable, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Mahmuda’s ( Not real name) journey from child labor to the classroom is a poignant reminder of how education can transform lives. Through the Doorstep Learning Project, UKBET has given Mahmuda ( Not real name) and many others the chance to dream of a brighter future. 

Your continued support is vital in making stories like Mahmuda's ( Not real name)a reality. Together, we are not just educating children; we are transforming lives and empowering communities in Sylhet, Bangladesh.