Primary School

In rural areas and pockets of urban poverty, children often leave school early. Families need them to earn, and both children and parents can struggle to see the value of staying in class. Starting earlier, in a setting that is both educational and enjoyable, helps children stay in school and frees parents to work.

Each school is a single class of 30 children running for three years, from pre-primary through class 2. At least half of the children are girls, and children with special needs are given priority. One teacher and one assistant teacher run each school, with one supervisor for every five schools. A committee of local elders oversees the school.

We aim to start ten schools each in Bogura, Gaibandha, and Rangpur, and five in the Bihari camps of Dhaka. In Dhaka (Mohammadpur and Mirpur) the schools cover two pre-primary years only, with 20 students per class because of limited room size. Each school rents a large room at the heart of the community and is fitted with a toilet and a tubewell.

Teachers receive ten days of training before classes begin, with refresher days during the year. Quality is checked through ongoing teacher assessment, supervisor visits, and annual tests. At the end of year three, children are helped into government primary schools. Where teachers and parents want to continue, we support the school with books. Two children from each school receive a small sponsorship through to class 5, chosen for family poverty or special talent.