Gender Equality Bangladesh Project #48105

Doorstep learning for girls in domestic work

by UK Bangladesh Education Trust

Doorstep learning for girls in domestic work

Project Report | Nov 4, 2024
Report on Doorstep learning for girls

By Mohammed Sayem | Executive Director

Introduction

Throughout 2024, UKBET has continued to drive transformative change for 384 young girls and their families through education, micro-grants, and awareness initiatives. Our dedicated UKBET community teachers and fieldworkers have reached girls trapped in domestic servitude, bringing education directly to them. At the same time, UKBET has provided small grants to parents, empowering them to establish steady family incomes and end their reliance on their daughters' earnings.

In Bangladesh, it’s estimated that over a million young girls are compelled by family poverty to work as domestic labourers. These girls, separated from their families, spend their days and nights cooking, cleaning, and caring for others, often hidden away and exposed to mistreatment. Deprived of their family’s support, their childhood, and any education, they remain invisible despite laws against child labour, the Sustainable Development Goal to end child labour, and the fact that we are now in 2024—not 1824.

Our Doorstep Learning Programme remains the cornerstone of our work, with remarkable success in helping girls leave harmful domestic labour and return to school or transition into safe vocational training.

All the children in our programme are learning to read, write, and work with numbers. The joy and pride of being able to sign one’s name cannot be overstated—the sense of belonging and empowerment that comes from literacy and numeracy is truly transformative.

Doorstep Learning Programme

In 2024, UKBET’s community teachers have brought the invaluable gifts of literacy, numeracy, and essential life skills to 384 young girls trapped in the unforgiving reality of domestic servitude. Alongside this, the charity has extended small grants to parents capable of launching modest enterprises, enabling them to secure a stable income and lift their families out of dependency on their daughters’ earnings. This dual approach is not just alleviating poverty but dismantling the very circumstances that force young girls into labour.

Each child in our programme has formed a trusting, positive, one-to-one relationship with their community teacher—an experience these 'discarded' children say they will never forget. Beyond progressing in foundational skills, they are becoming:

- More self-assured and confident,

- Better equipped to stand up for themselves,

- Healthier through improved nutrition, hygiene, and daily care,

- Officially registered citizens with brighter futures.

And crucially, none will become child brides.

The Doorstep Learning Programme has made significant and measurable progress in 2024, achieving transformative outcomes:

Engagement of Working Children: We have engaged 426 working children so far this year, including 52 former child laborers who have progressed through the program and continue to receive support.
Transition from Child Labor: We expect at least 136 children to transition out of child labor, with 84 set to begin school by December 2024.
Vocational Training and Employment: A total of 73 children are projected to join vocational training by year’s end. Of these, 50 have already completed their training, with 20 securing employment. Additionally, 5 were provided with age-appropriate, safe employment opportunities.

Additional Achievements:

Self-Defense Training: In November 2024, 40 girls are scheduled to participate in self-defense training.
Micro-Grants for Families: Forty-eight families received micro-grants to establish or expand small businesses, a crucial factor in enabling their daughters to transition from work to education or vocational training. We plan to support an additional 20 families with grants this year.
Educational Support for Siblings: Forty-four siblings of working children are now enrolled in mainstream education rather than entering work. This support includes covering admission fees, school supplies, uniforms, and other essentials.
Vocational Training for Siblings: Fourteen siblings have been supported to pursue vocational training.
Improved Employment and Health Services: Ten family members of working children were connected to better employment opportunities, and five family members received essential medical care.

Community teachers have regularly visited the families of working children, assessing their needs, providing targeted support, and connecting them with additional services as appropriate. Furthermore, 33 neighborhood awareness programs have been conducted, effectively shifting community attitudes on child labor, child marriage, and the importance of education. Plans are underway to conduct an additional three awareness sessions by the end of the year.

Case study:Marufa’s(Not real name) joins Vocational training

Marufa (Not real name) previously worked as a domestic worker, but with the support of Ukbet, she is now pursuing sewing training. This opportunity will enhance her skills and boost her confidence, playing a vital role in shaping a bright future for herself.

As the eldest daughter in her family, Marufa(Not real name) carries significant responsibilities. She cares for her younger sisters, manages household tasks, and navigates the family’s financial challenges each day. Through her sewing training, she aspires not only to improve her own circumstances but also to uplift her family, striving for self-sufficiency while chasing her dreams.

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Jul 8, 2024
Report on Doorstep learning for girls

By Mohammed Sayem | Executive Director

In Bangladesh, 1.7 million children endure hazardous child labour daily, risking their lives. With your kind and generous support, we are running the Doorstep Learning Programme for Girls in Domestic Labour. This initiative provides education, skills training, nourishing snacks, empowers families, raises awareness, and creates joyful moments.

Here is an update on our activities over the last six months:

Education Sessions: 263 children engaged in domestic labour are attending regular education sessions focusing on literacy, numeracy, and life skills.

Nutritional Support: All attending children receive a packet of Euglena biscuits daily, rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This is crucial as many working children suffer from malnutrition.

Additional Support in Education: 49 children have been receiving tuition support, as many of them are struggling with their education after returning to school following a long absence. Furthermore, 11 siblings are also being supported with private tuition.

Vocational Training: We have enrolled 57 working children in vocational training programmes. Upon completion, they will leave domestic labour for safer, decent jobs.

Tuition Support: 37 former working children who have returned to school are receiving tuition support to help them catch up after prolonged absences.

Micro-Grants: We have provided micro-grants to 37 families to start or expand small businesses, reducing their reliance on their children's income. This initiative has proven highly effective in combating child labour.

Awareness Programmes: We have organised nine community-based awareness programmes to educate people on child rights, child protection, child labour, and child marriage.

Story of Mahmuda (Not her real name)

In the flood-prone village of Sunamganj, a bright ten-year-old named Mahmuda (not her real name) faced the harsh realities of life. With two sisters and two brothers, her family struggled under the weight of poverty. Her father was unemployed, and her mother could no longer work. Amidst the difficult situation, the family had to leave their village and migrate to the urban area of Sylhet. Mahmuda and her eldest sister, just fourteen, shouldered the responsibility of supporting their family.

Despite her desire to study, Mahmuda couldn't attend school due to their financial struggles. Instead of playing and learning like other children her age, she was sent to work in other people’s homes to earn money for her family. Seeing her potential, Saniya Ahmed (not her real name), a teacher with the UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET), included her in our Doorstep Learning Project.

For a year, Mahmuda eagerly attended our nursery class. With UKBET's support, she was finally enrolled in the 1st grade in 2024. The joy on her face was a testament to her happiness and relief. Mahmuda's journey from child labour to the classroom is a powerful example of how education can transform lives. Through the Doorstep Learning Project, UKBET has given Mahmuda and many others a chance to hope and dream for a better future.

Together, let's change the lives of the most vulnerable children in Bangladesh.

Thank you for your generous support.

Links:

https://youtu.be/_VM7x-U0hk0?si=eMgwiisJx1s3sAVM

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Mar 7, 2024
Report on the Impact of the Doorstep Learning Programme

By Mohammed Sayem | Project leader

Report on the Impact of the Doorstep Learning Programme (Jan 2023 – December 2023)

The Doorstep Learning model, tailored to address the educational needs of vulnerable working children, particularly girls engaged in domestic labor, aimed to deliver essential education directly to their workplace. This report assesses the impact of the programme during the period from January 2023 to December 2023.

Engagement and Progression:

In 2023, the programme successfully engaged 424 children, witnessing noticeable development in literacy, numeracy, and life skills among participants. Approximately 77% of enrolled children attained expected competency levels. Challenges such as session disruptions and varying learning capacities were acknowledged and addressed. Participants' progression was monitored, facilitating further educational or vocational pursuits based on their individual needs.

Impact on Well-being and Progression

Notably, 424 girls transitioned from domestic labor, with many resuming formal education, undergoing vocational training, or securing sustainable employment opportunities.

Testimonials from beneficiaries highlighted the transformative impact of the programme, showcasing enhanced confidence and alternative career aspirations.

“ I never thought I will learn reading, writing and making clothes. But now I can read , write and after the training I have learnt making clothe for others. Although I am working at tailorshop , but in future I want to open my own shop and train many other girls like me”- Jaygun(Not real name) ( 17) , Ward 21 , Sylhet City

Family and Community Empowerment:

The programme extended its impact beyond direct beneficiaries, benefiting 2105 family members through initiatives like microgrants, educational support for siblings, and healthcare access. Community outreach efforts fostered positive attitudes towards education and child rights, contributing to sustained societal change.

Advocacy and Dissemination:

Active involvement in governmental committees and collaborations with NGOs facilitated the sharing of best practices and informed policy discourse on child labor elimination. Leveraging these platforms, the programme advocated for child rights and protection measures, driving collective action towards eradicating child labor.

Acknowledgment:

We are immensely grateful for your kind support, which has been instrumental in enabling the success of the Doorstep Learning Programme. Your generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children and communities. We sincerely hope you will continue your support, as together, we can strive towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.

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