Education Program for the Brick kiln Children

1. Introduction

Joy Foundation has been implementing the Education Program for Brick Kiln Children to provide quality education and child protection to marginalized children working or living around brick kiln areas. The program aims to reduce child labor, promote literacy, and support the holistic development of children through formal and non-formal education opportunities.

2. Objectives of the Program

1. To provide access to quality primary education for children working at or affected by brick kilns.
2. To reduce child labor through awareness and community mobilization.
3. To strengthen parents’ and employers’ understanding of children’s rights and the importance of education.
4. To support children’s overall development through extracurricular, health, and psychosocial activities.

3. Key Activities Conducted

During the reporting period, the following major activities were carried out:

a. Educational Classes

Three Non-Formal Education (NFE) Centers continued operations in brick kiln communities of Toba Tek Singh.

Total Enrolled Children: 180 (90 boys, 90 girls)

Average Attendance: 85%

Curriculum followed the Non-Formal Basic Education (NFBE) syllabus approved by the Punjab Education Department.

25 children successfully transitioned to nearby formal government schools.

b. Teacher Training and Support

Conducted two teacher training workshops focused on child-centered teaching, classroom management, and psychosocial support.

Monthly monitoring and mentoring visits were carried out by the project team.

c. Parent and Community Engagement

Organized six community meetings with parents and kiln owners to promote awareness on child rights and the importance of education.

Formed Parent-Teacher Committees (PTCs) in each center to ensure local participation and sustainability.

Conducted awareness sessions on health, hygiene, and prevention of child labor with 200 parents.

d. Distribution of Educational Materials

Provided each student with school bags, stationery, textbooks, and uniforms.

Teachers received resource kits to improve classroom learning environments.

e. Extracurricular and Health Activities

Organized three recreational events including drawing competitions and sports days.

Health screening camps were arranged in collaboration with local health departments, benefiting 160 children.

4. Achievements and Impact

Increased Enrollment: 25% rise in student enrollment compared to last year.

Child Labor Reduction: 30 children withdrawn from full-time labor and enrolled in school.

Community Ownership: Parent-Teacher Committees actively supporting school operations.

Girls’ Participation: Equal participation of girls and boys maintained.

5. Challenges Faced

Seasonal migration of brick kiln families affected regular attendance.

Some parents still prefer child labor over education due to economic hardship.

Limited classroom space in one of the centers.