Education is a real luxury in Bangladesh, especially for people from ethnic minorities, girls, and children with disabilities. However, for the country's development, it is important for all children to be able to attend school in order to break the vicious cycle of illiteracy and poverty in the long term. Education not only helps solve the problem of overpopulation, improve medical care and waste disposal, but also helps people find decent employment.
The project in brief:
Our partner, the Protibondhi Community Center, is implementing a three-pronged project: The first project, launched a few years ago by young people from ethnic minorities, provides thirty students with scholarships to continue their studies. In return, they teach several hours a day in the partner's primary schools, which are currently attended by 1,175 children from poor families. CSI pays for school materials, classroom equipment, and renovations. All students participate in continuing education to prepare them for their teaching duties and ensure the quality of teaching. The second project aims to promote equal access to education and rights for minorities. Eighty young people receive scholarships to continue their education. Students, parents, and members of civil society participate in awareness-raising workshops on gender equality and human rights. Young people learn about their rights and how to assert them in their daily lives. The goal is to end discrimination in various areas of life (including school) and promote girls' rights. In the third component, 239 children with disabilities will attend primary school. They will be taught according to their abilities by specialized teachers. In addition to tuition fees, school materials will be covered. The children's physical abilities will also be stimulated. Thus, the children will be cared for by physiotherapists and, if necessary, will receive medical equipment (wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) to make their daily lives easier. In addition, toilets and classrooms will be adapted to the children's needs as part of renovations. To improve the children's situation in the long term, their environment will also be included in the project. In this way, their families and the general public will be made aware of how to treat people with disabilities.
OUR PROJECTS
Bangladesh: Project for disadvantaged children and youth, disabled children and for the advancement of young girls
Tanzania: Construction and renovation of schools in Ilula
Despite its magnificent landscapes, Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Most residents make their living from agriculture, even though only 5% of the land is suitable for agricultural purposes. Although the country boasts various natural resources, its industry is very underdeveloped. The education system, for its part, is not without flaws either. The literacy rate is only 70%! For children in rural areas, schools are often too far away, and some parents see no point in sending their children to school. They prefer to use them to help around the house or work in the fields. In the central region of Iringa, this situation is set to change.
The project in brief:
In 2020, two new primary school classrooms were built, as well as a new staff room and several restrooms. In addition, five classrooms were renovated. The primary school, like the kindergarten and secondary school, operates according to the Montessori method.
At the same time, two boarding schools, one for girls and one for boys, were also built to ensure that children living far away have access to quality education.
As part of this project (2021-2024), the infrastructure of schools in Ilula will be significantly improved and adapted. 20 classrooms will be renovated and the recently constructed buildings will be properly equipped.