Development Work in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, our efforts focus on advancing education for children and youth while also supporting families’ livelihoods. This work is carried out in partnership with the Bangladesh Assemblies of God Church and its organization, Ashirbad.

Nearly 40% of school-aged children in Bangladesh do not complete their education, and over half of girls are married as children. Child brides often leave school prematurely and face a higher risk of poverty and domestic violence. In many rural areas, understanding of the value of education is limited, and numerous families lack the financial means to keep their children enrolled in school.

Supporting Education for Children and Youth

Fida works to ensure that children and young people in rural Bangladesh have access to education and a safe living environment. By raising awareness of children’s rights, we promote the changes needed so they won’t be forced to leave school prematurely, marry underage, or engage in heavy labor.

bangladeshilaiset äiti ja tytär punaisissa huiveissaan

I have seen how opinions have changed and child marriages have decreased. I want to help my own daughter to study and get work.
Lipika, Bangladesh

Fida’s partner is the Bangladesh Assemblies of God Church, and its organisation, Ashirbad, which oversee 40 schools in Western and Southern Bangladesh.

Awareness of Children’s Rights, Support for Families’ Livelihoods

Fida, along with its partners, organise events for communities to learn about children’s rights and the benefits of education. Teachers are provided with training in guidance counselling and psychosocial support to enable them to better support their students. Further, teachers are trained to utilise child-centred and inclusive teaching methods.

Co-operatives are being set up to provide income opportunities for the most vulnerable, such as single parent families or families with family members with disabilities. Sexual health, and sexual rights are promoted by organising training, among other methods. In cooperation with local communities, solutions are being sought to end violence against women.