Give child labourers an education in Bangladesh

Introduction

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

Thanks to your continued support, we are helping families strengthen their livelihoods, preparing children for formal education and supporting former child labourers to remain in school. Together, these efforts are creating opportunities for children to build a future shaped by education rather than child labour.

What your support has helped us achieve in 2026

• 477 children involved in the project across Sylhet and Moulvibazar.
• 95 former child labourers receiving academic support through the After School Learning Support Programme (ASLP).
• 93 children participating in vocational training, with 30 completing their courses and 13 job placements recorded.
• 91 families receiving microgrants to establish or strengthen small businesses.
• 10 children entering formal school education, with further admissions being prepared for December 2026 and January 2027.
• 59 awareness meetings held with local representatives, neighbourhood communities and students.
• 24 Community Teachers serving across 23 wards in Sylhet and Moulvibazar.

Helping families build a future beyond child labour

Your support has helped 91 families receive microgrants to establish or strengthen small businesses, including tailoring, tea stalls, food vending, small trading, poultry rearing and vegetable cultivation. These businesses help families develop alternative sources of income and reduce the financial pressures that can lead to child labour.

For families who depend on their children's earnings to meet basic needs, withdrawing a child from work without replacing that income can deepen financial hardship. Your contributions help parents support their households while their children pursue education, making a future beyond child labour more achievable.

Preparing children for a brighter future through education

By September, 10 children had entered formal education. With the main admission period approaching in December and January, UKBET is preparing more children for school entry by identifying eligible learners, liaising with schools and helping families prepare admission documents.

For former DLP children attending formal school, 13 ASLP tutors provide homework support to 95 learners, helping them keep up with their schoolwork and continue their education.

Vocational training is also helping children develop practical skills for future employment. Across the programme, 93 children have participated in training, with 39 completing their courses and 13 job placements recorded.

Case study – Amina dares to dream again

At just 11, Amina had begun to lose hope of continuing her education as her family struggled financially. Through UKBET's Doorstep Learning Programme, she began learning again and gradually regained her confidence.

Now, as 2026 draws to a close, Amina is looking towards 2027 with renewed hope. She dreams of entering formal school, continuing her education and discovering what her future might hold. For her, the new year represents a chance to dream again.

Looking ahead

In the final months of 2026, we will prepare more children for school admission, support vocational training completion and monitor families receiving livelihood assistance. We also plan to provide enrichment activities and self-defence training for 40 girls.

Thank you for standing with UKBET and helping children and families build brighter futures.

Together, we are replacing child labour with learning, opportunity and hope.