Ensuring education and opportunity for children in Bangladesh
Every child deserves an education. Learning transforms children’s lives, helping them overcome poverty and leading to better health and increased income opportunities. We’re ensuring children living in the Rajbari District, one of Bangladesh’s most dangerous and economically challenging neighbourhoods, can access quality education, health services and the support they need to thrive.
Why children in Bangladesh need better protection
Children living in Bangladesh’s Rajbari District need better protection due to the compounded risks they face from social stigma, inadequate access to essential services, and various forms of abuse. The environment in these communities is often unsafe and unhealthy, with limited support from government services. The social marginalisation associated with sex work significantly hinders children’s opportunities for education and healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to physical punishment, emotional abuse, and sexual harassment.
These vulnerabilities highlight the critical need for protective measures and comprehensive support to ensure these children can grow up in safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments, ultimately enabling them to reach their full potential.
Save the Children’s Providing Opportunities for Vulnerable Children through Education Programme (PRODIEP)
Our Providing Opportunities for Vulnerable Children through Education Programme (PRODIEP) is dedicated to improving the lives of children living in and near brothel communities by offering access to quality education and holistic support.
Save the Children began working in the Rajbari District of Bangladesh over 20 years ago. With partner organisations Karmojibi Kallyan Sangstha (KKS) and Mukti Mahila Samity (MMS), we established a primary school and an early childhood centre to improve the lives of children by providing access to quality education. Over the past two decades, we helped transform the lives of many children, breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalisation. Many have gone on to become teachers, paramedics and other professionals, while others have returned to the communities to help work on this vital project. With your help, we’re empowering mothers, children and communities, and laying the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
We also provide vocational training for teens, enhancing their employment opportunities after school. This comprehensive approach has successfully broken down societal stigmas, enabling children from these communities access to inclusive education in a safe and supportive environment.
How we know we’re making a difference
Since we’ve been working with these communities, we’ve seen tangible improvements in the language and cognitive development of children aged 0-3, with more than 80% reaching positive outcomes thanks to early stimulation counselling. Our 10 ECCD centres have fostered progress in more than 80% of children aged 3-4, including those with disabilities. Health awareness has soared amongst mothers, with over 92% now knowledgeable about available services. The programme has also boosted literacy and numeracy proficiency rates amongst primary school students, and adolescents.
Mothers like Arnima* have been able to send their children to Save the Children’s pre-school and the local primary school. Her son Sohan* now has big dreams to become a police officer.
“I love to go to school. I can study and play with my friends. Bengali and Maths are my favourite subjects. I love painting and reading story books,” Sohan said.
Through education and opportunity, children have achieved their dreams, going on to build exciting new careers. Some have returned to the community to work for the programme as mentors.
Impact snapshot 2023:
- 1500 children supported to attend primary school; 100 children supported to attend early childhood education classes.
- 236 mothers taught about cognitive development for babies and toddlers.
- 149 teachers received training in effective class management and how to create engaging education materials.
- 6 schools received teaching materials and libraries, 27 schools received sports equipment.
- The proportion of children under 3 years achieving age-appropriate language and cognitive development increased from 50% to 81%.
Who makes our programme possible
Our programme is made possible through the dedicated support and collaboration of Save the Children Bangladesh, local NGOs KKS and MMS. This programme is also supported by our generous regular givers, whose monthly contribution works to create irreversible positive change for and with children at home and around the world.
Save the Children works in partnership with the Bangladesh Government.