Development Work in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, we support education among children and young people, as well as families’ livelihoods. The work is accomplished alongside a local partner, the Bangladesh Assemblies of God Church, and its organisation, Ashirbad.

Close to 40% of Bangladeshi schoolchildren do not complete school, and over half of girls enter into child marriage. Child brides are often forced to drop out of school and are more likely to face poverty and domestic violence. Particularly in rural communities, awareness of the importance of education can be low, and not all families can afford to send their children to school.

Supporting Education for Children and Youth

Fida promotes access to education and safe living in rural areas of Bangladesh for children and young people. The aim is to increase awareness of children’s rights, through which change can occur. Children would not have to leave school early, enter into marriage, or heavy labour at a young age.

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.