Background and Problem Statement

The Dalit community in Bangladesh has historically faced systemic exclusion and discrimination due to caste-based inequalities. Often referred to as “untouchables,” these individuals experience social, economic, and educational marginalization. The impact of this discrimination is profound, leaving Dalit children at a significant disadvantage when it comes to education.

In Bangladesh, with a population exceeding 160 million, around 5.5 million individuals belong to the Dalit community. They are divided into around 94 different sub-groups, including the bashfor, Helam, Domar, Balmiki, Robidas, Rishi etc. Despite being citizens, these communities face significant barriers to accessing quality education, healthcare, and social services. In rural areas, the lack of access to educational resources, coupled with cultural and social stigmas, forces many Dalit children to drop out of school at an early age.

For Dalit students, education is not just about acquiring knowledge but is a fundamental right that can lift them out of cycles of poverty and discrimination. Unfortunately, education for Dalit students remains severely underfunded, and cultural biases continue to affect the willingness of teachers and peers to treat Dalit children equally in school environments.

This project aims to break these barriers by creating sustainable educational opportunities for Dalit students, ensuring that they not only have access to education but also the necessary support to succeed academically and socially.

Rationale of the Project

Building on earlier initiatives, this project seeks to continue the work started in 2006 to provide educational support for Dalit students in Kushtia. Despite limited funding, earlier efforts successfully enrolled 450 Dalit children in schools and reduced dropout rates. This project aims to expand on these efforts by introducing sustainable, community-driven support systems to improve the educational experience for Dalit children in Bangladesh.

Project Title: Creating Sustainable Educational Opportunities for Dalit Students.

Project Duration: 3 Years (January 2014 – December 2016)

Work Area: Dalit Colonies of Kushtia Sadar, Mirpur and Bheramara Upazilas.

Beneficiaries: Dalit Children and Guardians.

Development Partner with: Human Development Organization

Project Goal: To bring Dalit students into the mainstream development process by ensuring their right to education.

Project Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to bring Dalit students into the mainstream education system, ensuring they have equal access to quality education. Specific objectives include:

• To improve the educational standards of Dalit students by providing academic and financial support.
• To engage local communities to support the education of Dalit students and ensure the sustainability of the project.

Key Activities and Implementation Strategies

Objective 1: Improving the Education of Dalit Students

• Establishment of Child Animation Centers: Create support centers in seven Dalit colonies to aid in educational development.
• Student Enrollment: Ensure 100% enrollment of Dalit children in mainstream schools.
• Academic Assistance: Provide tutoring and support to Dalit students to help them complete school assignments.
• Monthly Academic Monitoring: Conduct regular tests and assess the academic progress of students.
• School Progress Reports: Collect and review school reports to track students’ academic performance.
• Attendance Monitoring: Keep track of attendance to ensure that students maintain consistent school participation.
• Cultural and Extracurricular Activities: Organize cultural events, celebrate birthdays, and create community-driven knowledge-sharing platforms.

Objective 2: Engaging the Local Community for Sustainability

• Formation of a Center Management Committee (CMC): A group of professionals from civil society will monitor the project’s progress and help create opportunities.
• Community Fundraising: Encourage local residents to contribute small amounts to fund the project’s continuation.
• Awareness Campaigns: Organize meetings to raise awareness about the importance of education for Dalit children.

Project Outcomes and Impact

The project’s impact can be summarized as follows:

• Increased Enrollment and Retention: Achieved 100% enrollment of Dalit children in schools within the project area, with a notable reduction in dropout rates.
• Improved Academic Performance: The academic performance of 250 Dalit students has significantly improved through tailored educational support.
• Reduction in Child Labor: There has been a decrease in the number of children forced to work due to improved access to education.
• Decreased Child Marriage Rates: The rate of child marriages has significantly dropped as education is prioritized.
• Parental Awareness: There has been a noticeable increase in parental awareness regarding the importance of education for their children.
• Community Engagement: A sense of responsibility toward Dalit/Harijan communities has been fostered in civil society, contributing to the project’s success.

Project Implementation Strategy

The project will be implemented in partnership with local communities, schools, and civil society organizations. Regular monitoring of student performance, engagement with parents, and the active involvement of the local community will be key components of the implementation strategy.

Challenges Faced

• Social Stigma: Overcoming deeply entrenched caste-based discrimination has been challenging.
• Financial Constraints: Limited funding has affected the scalability of the project.
• Cultural Barriers: Educating both students and their families about the importance of education in the face of cultural biases has been difficult.
• Gender-Based Violence: Dalit women have faced additional barriers in accessing education and safety.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

Lessons Learned:

• Community Involvement: Local engagement is critical for the sustainability of education projects.
• Holistic Education Support: Providing academic assistance alongside addressing other socio-economic issues yields the best outcomes.
• Parental Involvement: Raising awareness among parents about their children’s education significantly reduces dropout rates.

Recommendations:

• Expand Partnerships: Collaborate with local NGOs and governmental bodies for broader impact.
• Strengthen Teacher Training: Teachers should be trained to overcome biases and support Dalit students.
• Increase Financial Sustainability: Develop long-term funding strategies to ensure the project’s continuation.
• Advocate for Policy Change: Work with policymakers to improve education access for marginalized communities.

Conclusion and Future Directions

This project has achieved significant milestones in improving education for Dalit children. By ensuring 100% school enrollment and decreasing dropout rates, it has made education a priority for the Dalit community. Nevertheless, the journey doesn’t end here.

Future Directions:

• Expand the model to other marginalized communities.
• Increase community involvement and awareness.
• Advocate for policy changes to improve educational opportunities for Dalit children.

Call to Action

Join us in making a lasting impact. Support Dalit students’ education today and help create a more inclusive future for all.