School for Climate-Vulnerable Kids In Bangladesh

Project Progress Report: School Library Initiative

Reporting Period: August 2025 – December 2025
Organization: Green Fund Initiative (GFI), New York, USA
Local Partner in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation and Social Services Centre (BCSSC)

1. Project Overview

The School Library Initiative was launched by Green Fund Initiative (GFI), in partnership with BCSSC, in response to students’ expressed need for basic educational resources during a school visit in Bangladesh. The project aims to establish a fully equipped school library to improve literacy, support academic development, and provide access to environmental and general education materials for students living in a climate-impacted region.

2. Objectives

The initiative seeks to develop a functional school library that:

• Supports literacy and academic growth

• Provides access to environmental and reference learning materials

• Encourages a culture of reading, curiosity, and resilience among students

3. Progress During the Reporting Period (August – December 2025)3.1 Funding Status

No donations or external funding were received during this reporting period. As a result, the project was unable to advance core implementation activities, including the procurement of books, furniture, shelves, and other essential learning resources.

3.2 Activities

Despite the absence of funding, limited non-financial activities were undertaken to keep the project active:

• Ongoing School Engagement:
  GFI and BCSSC maintained regular communication with the school administration to ensure continued readiness for project implementation once funding becomes available.

• Volunteer-Led Awareness Efforts:
  Informal awareness activities were conducted by volunteers within the school community, emphasizing:

  • The importance of reading and access to books

  • The role of libraries in supporting education and resilience in climate-affected areas

• Updated Needs Assessment:
  The project team revisited and updated the list of required materials in consultation with teachers, reaffirming priority needs such as:

  • Storybooks and reference books

  • Study tables and chairs

  • Bookshelves and storage units

4. Impact

Although tangible progress was limited due to funding constraints, the project continued to generate positive engagement:

• Student and Teacher Motivation:
  Teachers reported that students remain enthusiastic and continue to express strong interest in having a school library.

• Improved Learning Environment:
  The previously donated ceiling fan remains in use, helping to improve comfort in the temporary study space during hot weather.

• Awareness Outcome:
  Volunteer-led engagement activities reached approximately 45 students and 10 teachers, reinforcing the value of a library as a shared educational resource.

5. Challenges

• Complete lack of funding, preventing progress on core project components

• Absence of essential educational materials and furniture, delaying library establishment

• Limited ability to expand outreach or mobilize additional resources without financial support

6. Next Steps

• Actively pursue funding from individual donors, CSR initiatives, and grant-making organizations

• Continue engaging the school and local community to sustain motivation and project visibility

• Once funding is secured, immediately prioritize procurement of essential books, furniture, and shelving to establish the library’s core facilities

7. Conclusion

During the August–December 2025 reporting period, the School Library Initiative did not receive any donations, significantly limiting project progress. Nevertheless, strong interest from students, teachers, and volunteers underscores the project’s importance and long-term potential. Green Fund Initiative and BCSSC remain fully committed to implementing the library once resources are secured and are prepared to act promptly to ensure students in this climate-affected region gain access to a safe, functional, and inspiring learning space.

Reporting Period: May 2025 – August 2025
Organization: Green Fund Initiative (GFI), New York, USA
Local Partner in Bangladesh: Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation and Social Services Centre (BCSSC)

1. Project Overview

In January 2024, during a school visit in Bangladesh, students voiced the urgent need for a library, pointing to the lack of basic educational resources such as books and furniture. In response, the Green Fund Initiative (GFI), in partnership with BCSSC, launched the School Library Initiative to establish a fully equipped school library. The project aims to enhance literacy, provide essential learning resources, and create a safe, inspiring learning space for students living in a climate-impacted region.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a fully functional school library that:

• Supports literacy development and academic growth.

• Provides access to environmental education and learning materials.

• Fosters a culture of reading, resilience, and curiosity among young learners.

3. Progress During the Reporting Period (May – August 2025)3.1 Funding Status

• No new funding was secured during this reporting period. As a result, critical activities such as the procurement of books, shelves, and furniture remain on hold.

3.2 Activities

• School Engagement: GFI and BCSSC continued communication with the school administration to keep the project active and ensure readiness for future implementation once resources are available.

• Volunteer-Led Awareness Campaign: With the help of volunteers, one small awareness campaign was held in the school community, highlighting the importance of reading, access to books, and the role of libraries in building resilience in climate-impacted regions.

• Needs Update: The resource needs assessment list was revisited and updated with teacher input, ensuring that the most urgently required materials (storybooks, science reference books, study tables, and shelves) are prioritized when funding becomes available.

4. Impact

Despite the lack of financial resources, the project continued to maintain visibility and community enthusiasm:

• Student Engagement: Teachers reported that students remain motivated and continue to express strong anticipation for the establishment of the full library.

• Improved Learning Space: The previously donated ceiling fan continues to provide significant relief during hot weather, ensuring students can use the temporary study space more comfortably.

• Awareness Outcome: The volunteer-led campaign reached approximately 45 students and 10 teachers, reinforcing the value of a library as a shared community asset.

5. Challenges

• Lack of Funding: No financial resources were secured during this period, limiting all core project activities.

• Resource Constraints: The absence of essential educational materials and furniture continues to hinder the realization of the library vision.

6. Next Steps

• Actively pursue new funding opportunities from donors, CSR programs, and grant-making organizations to accelerate library development.

• Continue engaging the school and local community to sustain motivation and project visibility.

• Once funding is secured, prioritize immediate purchase of essential books, furniture, and shelving to establish the library’s core facilities.

7. Conclusion

Although progress was minimal due to the absence of funding during May–August 2025, the School Library Initiative in Bangladesh continues to hold strong community support. The enthusiasm of students, teachers, and volunteers demonstrates the project’s importance and potential long-term impact. GFI and BCSSC remain committed to realizing this vision and are well-prepared to act quickly once financial resources are secured, ensuring students in this climate-affected region gain access to a safe, inspiring, and fully functional library.