Educating girls in Bangladesh

The Women of Concern group is helping to ensure that girls in Bangladesh receive quality education.

Poverty trap

Only a third of women in Bangladesh can read and write. Almost three million children don’t receive any education, and the majority of these are girls.

As a result, it’s very difficult for women to escape the cycle of poverty.

Problems with schools

Even for the children who do go to school, there are many problems. Most schools are completely overcrowded. Drop-out rates are very high; only about a third of children who start primary school actually finish it. Most teachers are overworked and lack proper training.

“Our school”

In October 2006, Concern Worldwide began a five-year education project titled Amader School for up to 150 primary schools in Bangladesh. Amader school means “our school.”

As part of this project, we’re campaigning at all levels of society to change attitudes, practices and policies towards education.

Sonia’s loves school

Sonia’s story is an example of this success. Sonia is a good student, who loves school. When her home was destroyed by floods and a cyclone, the first things she thought to save were her school books.

After losing their home, Sonia and her family had to move away from their area. At first, her father thought she wouldn’t be able to continue her schooling.

Looking for help

Then he remembered what he heard from the local school management committee. They told him that no one should give up their education, and that if there were problems he could contact the committee. Sonia’s father did. 

The committee were able to provide shelter for the family. Although this was a long way from Sonia’s previous school, arrangements were also made and she was able to attend the local school. 

We need your help

With your support, we’ll be able to continue our work with schools in Bangladesh. The project will be expanded to include more schools. We plan to increase the number of female members in the school management committees. 

If you’re interested in supporting this work, contact gail.williams@concern.net or phone (01) 417 8020.