Improving life chances after Covid

After lockdowns were lifted, the charity found that in the Nikli district there were more than 5,000 children out of school, and often hard-pressed families preferred them to work. With a BFSS grant of £30,500, Learning for Life ran a community-wide school re-enrolment campaign, along with out of school catch-up classes and online learning sessions. Training for teachers and leaders on quality education, online learning and safeguarding was also provided. A key focus was life skills and reenrolment of girls.

Impact

The two-year project made remarkable strides in education, safeguarding vulnerable children, bridging the digital divide, and empowering adolescent girls. Learning for Life convinced families of the value of education so parents and guardians came to believe it was in their best interests for pupils to re-enrol. 98%
of target children returned to school after lockdowns, and all 5,378 of these pupils passed their annual examinations. Introducing online education for more than 300 students helped ensure they could continue their studies even when classrooms were shut due to monsoon flooding.

A standout achievement is that educational and awareness initiatives effectively stopped child marriages in the area, allowing students to continue their studies. In addition, regular sessions focusing on life skills, family laws, government measures related to women’s protection, and menstrual hygiene have empowered adolescent girls, enabling them to advocate for themselves and their futures. The project helped minimise the disparities in boys’ and girls’
enrolment.

Together these achievements represent a shift in attitudes which will have a crucial impact on shaping the education and future development of the region’s children.

‘I never thought I would be going to school, enjoying school life and friends around me.’ Touhida Akter, pupil.