Family Futures - pathways out of extreme poverty

Extreme poverty remains one of the primary drivers of child labour in Bangladesh. UKBET's Family Futures – Pathway out of Extreme Poverty programme continues to address this root cause by strengthening household income while ensuring children can access and remain in education.

The programme takes a family-centred approach: improving livelihoods, developing skills and supporting education to reduce reliance on child labour.

Key achievements – January to June 2026Livelihood strengthening

• 29 families received microgrants to establish or strengthen small businesses.
• Supported enterprises include rickshaws, tailoring, tea stalls, grocery shops and small trading businesses.
• 2 family members secured employment following vocational training.
• Improved household income helps reduce reliance on children's earnings and strengthens family stability.

Skills development

• 74 children enrolled in vocational training programmes.
• Training areas included sewing, beauty therapy, cake preparation and hand beading.
• Skills development helps young people build safer and more sustainable futures.

Education impact

• 332 children were enrolled in the programme, exceeding the annual target of 320.
• 378 children participated in programme activities during the first half of 2026.
• 7 children were admitted to formal schools.
• Educational sponsorship support was provided to 31 students and 1 sibling.
• Through the After School Learning Programme (ASLP), 95 former working children received additional academic support and mentoring from 13 tutors, helping them remain in education.

Case Study – Rabia (Not real name)

Rabia (not her real name), aged 13, dropped out of school when her father's irregular income was no longer enough to support the family. To help meet their basic needs, she began working as a domestic child labourer.

Through the Family Futures programme, her family received a microgrant in the form of a rickshaw, providing her father with a reliable source of income. As the family's financial situation improved, Rabia was able to leave domestic work and return to education.

Her father shared:

"The rickshaw changed our lives. I can now provide for my family, and my daughter has returned to school where she belongs."

Looking ahead

During the first six months of 2026, the programme continued to demonstrate that addressing household poverty is essential to preventing child labour. Through livelihood support, vocational training and educational assistance, families are becoming more resilient while children gain the opportunity to learn and thrive.

When families earn with dignity, children can grow with opportunity.