Give child labourers an education in Bangladesh

Introduction

Child domestic labour continues to deny thousands of children in Bangladesh the opportunity to learn, develop and reach their potential. Through UKBET's Doorstep Learning Programme (DLP), we provide education, skills training, family support and mentoring to help vulnerable children move away from labour and towards brighter futures.

Thanks to your continued support, the first half of 2026 has brought encouraging progress. More children are accessing education, families are receiving support to improve their livelihoods, and new initiatives are helping former child labourers remain in school and avoid returning to work.

What your support has achieved so far in 2026

• 378 children participated in educational and development activities across Sylhet and Moulvibazar.
• 332 working and vulnerable children were enrolled in the Doorstep Learning Programme, exceeding our annual enrolment target.
• 95 former child labourers received additional academic and mentoring support through our new After School Learning Support Programme (ASLP).
• 74 adolescents enrolled in vocational skills training, including sewing, beauty therapy, cake preparation and hand beading.
• 7 children gained admission to formal schools and began their journey back into mainstream education.
• 29 families received microgrants to establish or strengthen small businesses, helping reduce economic pressures that often lead to child labour.
• 31 students and one sibling received educational sponsorship support, including school fees, uniforms, stationery, school bags and tutoring assistance.
• 31 awareness-raising activities were conducted with community members, students and local authorities to promote education and child protection.

Strengthening support for children returning to school

During a recent impact evaluation, we identified an important challenge. Some children who had successfully returned to school after leaving domestic work later dropped out again because they struggled to catch up academically and lacked sufficient support at home.

In response, UKBET launched the After School Learning Support Programme (ASLP). Through this initiative, 13 tutors are currently providing academic coaching and mentoring to 95 former working children who have returned to formal education.

This additional support helps children build confidence, improve academic performance and remain engaged in school. By addressing learning gaps early, we are helping to ensure that children do not return to labour and can continue progressing towards their educational goals.

Case study – Ruhi Akter

Ruhi Akter, aged 13, lives in Moulvibazar with her grandmother, who became her primary caregiver after the death of Ruhi’s father. Financial hardship forced Ruhi to leave education and begin working as a domestic worker to help support the family.

Following a community survey, Ruhi was identified and enrolled in UKBET’s Doorstep Learning Programme. Since joining, she has attended classes regularly, rebuilt her confidence and made significant progress in her studies.

Ruhi is now preparing for admission to formal school next year and dreams of becoming a teacher. Her grandmother says she has become more active, motivated and hopeful about the future.

For children like Ruhi, access to education is creating opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

Looking ahead

During the second half of 2026, we will continue working towards our annual goals, with particular focus on helping more children transition into formal education, supporting vocational training completion, expanding family livelihood assistance and strengthening the After School Learning Support Programme.

Child labour remains a serious challenge, but every child who enters a classroom instead of a workplace represents meaningful progress.

Thank you for helping us provide education, opportunity and hope to vulnerable children in Bangladesh.

Together, we are helping replace child labour with learning, confidence and brighter futures.