Bangladesh Pre-schools

Bangladesh is one of the world’s poorest, least developed nations. It is also on the frontline of countries impacted by climate change.

Extreme weather conditions affect the low-lying, delta region. Flooding and storm-force winds regularly threaten people, livestock, crops and livelihoods.

We work in three areas bisected by the Kazibacha River. The area is prone to flooding and both transport and communication are difficult. The nearest city is the river port of Khulna. The majority of the population eke out a grinding existence as day labourers, fishermen, landless farmers, tricycle pullers, boatmen and small traders.

Children often start work as young as ten – they must start earning their keep. Families are often large to help earn an income and parents struggle to provide basic necessities. Our partners work to prevent school drop-out in Bangladesh and to reduce child labour.

What are the challenges?

Malnutrition, poor health, poor sanitation and a lack of safe, clean drinking water – few accessible healthcare facilities.

There is a low literacy rate (as low as 58.5% for women) and limited availability of schools. School fees are not a priority for vulnerable families. A low appreciation of the importance of education in this part of Bangladesh means many children are hired out as day labour alongside their parents. Working to increase access to education and prevent school drop-out in Bangladesh is vital if this is to change.

How is Global Care tackling poverty in Bangladesh?

We have centres in Horintana, Kalatala and Dacope Union. All three are cyclone-proof buildings which double as pre-schools, community centres and cyclone shelters in disadvantaged rural communities with few such resources.

Our partners operate a total of three pre-schools across the area. The pre-schools offer basic education and give children the skills and motivation to go on to formal government schools. They connect with 150 students across the three schools. Students are generally with them for 3-4 years before joining government schools.

We’re helping to prevent school drop-out in Bangladesh

Children have an excellent head-start on their education and the pre-schools have an excellent track record in helping to  prevent school drop-out in Bangladesh: Nationally, an estimated 14% of children drop out of school before completing primary educationCitation, but the drop out rate for children who have attended one of our partners’ pre-schools is just 2%.

How can I help?

Could  you support our efforts to help children in disadvantaged rural areas break out of poverty through education? Your gifts will help our partners develop the pre-schools and begin other initiatives from a stable financial base. Become a Change-Maker, giving a regular monthly gift to increase the stability and reach of this project.