Empower Futures: Educate Bangladesh's Island Child

Introduction

OBHIZATRIK School, an initiative of the OBHIZATRIK Foundation, has been working since 2013 to provide free, quality education to underprivileged children in Bangladesh. In 2019, OBHIZATRIK Foundation expanded its work to Charlata, a remote coastal island in Patuakhali District where no formal school existed before. The school now provides education to over 250 children who previously had no access to structured learning. 

Current Challenges in Charlata School 

The children of Charlata face severe challenges that disrupt their education and overall well-being:

• No library access:
  Charlata School currently has no library which limits children’s reading skills, learning capacity and exposure to learning materials beyond textbooks.

• Insufficient nutrition:
  Due to limited funding, OBHIZATRIK School is unable to provide daily Mid-day meals to all students. Many children attend school on an empty stomach which affects their concentration and health.

• Extreme poverty and climate vulnerability:
  Families struggle with food insecurity, lack of electricity, poor healthcare and unstable income. The island faces frequent cyclones, tidal surges and harsh weather conditions, making life even harder.

Without proper support, children are at high risk of dropping out, falling into child labour or facing early marriage.

How GlobalGiving Support Helps

Support from GlobalGiving plays a critical role in addressing these challenges and ensuring continued education for Charlata’s children.

1. Ensuring Access to Education: Your contributions play a crucial role in keeping more than 250 island children in Charlata in school by covering their essential academic needs. With your support, students receive free textbooks, stationery, school uniforms and basic classroom materials resources their families cannot afford. This assistance ensures that no child is denied the opportunity to learn simply because of poverty, allowing every student to continue their education with dignity and hope. 

2. Establishing a Library: Since Charlata School currently has no library, establishing one has become one of our key priorities. Our goal is to create a dedicated reading space where children can access storybooks, educational books and essential learning materials. This will help nurture a strong reading culture and support their academic growth. With continued support through GlobalGiving, we aim to set up a library in Charlata, giving island children the opportunity to explore, learn and dream beyond the classroom. 

3. Nutrition Support: Due to funding gaps, we are currently unable to provide regular meals to the students of Charlata School. However, support from GlobalGiving helps us offer snacks and occasional cooked meals which significantly reduce hunger in classrooms and improve the children’s focus, energy and overall attendance. Ensuring consistent meals for every student remains one of our most urgent needs as proper nutrition is essential for their health, learning and well-being. 

4. Winter Support: Charlata’s coastal climate becomes extremely harsh during winter, leaving children vulnerable to cold winds, inadequate warm clothing and increased illness. To support them through this difficult season, we plan to provide each student with a Winter Gift Package, made possible through GlobalGiving support. The package will include sweaters, wool caps, socks, shawls, basic winter medicines and nutritious winter snacks. This assistance is essential to protect the children from cold-related sickness and ensure they can continue attending school comfortably and safely throughout the winter months.

Impact 

• Over 250 children now have access to free education in a region where no school existed before.

• Dropout rates have decreased because students receive academic and nutritional support.

• Families feel supported, especially during festivals and emergencies.

• Children now have a safe learning space with growing facilities.

Your contributions help us keep this vital initiative alive and expanding.

Future Plans

With GlobalGiving’s continued support, OBHIZATRIK Foundation aims to:

• Build the first library in Charlata School

• Provide regular meals to all students

• Introduce high school classes (Class 6–10)

• Build additional classrooms

• Improve school facilities and safe learning spaces

• Strengthen community engagement programs

• Expand health and nutrition services 

Conclusion

“Educate Bangladesh’s Island Child” is transforming the lives of Charlata’s most vulnerable children. Your support through GlobalGiving is ensuring that these children receive basic education, nutritional care and the hope of a better future. 

With your continued generosity, we will be able to provide these critical supports and protect the educational journey of every child on this fragile coastal island.