Project Background and Problem Statement

The Education Support for Marginalized People project is designed to address the systemic exclusion faced by Dalit (Harijon) and Adibashi (tribal) communities in Bangladesh. These communities endure severe discrimination, which limits their access to education, healthcare, and essential social services, contributing to a persistent cycle of poverty and social exclusion. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, Dalit children often face insurmountable barriers to education, such as being denied school enrollment, forced to sit apart from other students, and subjected to harassment and stigmatization. These challenges lead to high dropout rates, leaving many children without the skills to pursue higher education or improve their livelihoods.

The project aims to break this cycle by providing education support through community-based Child Animation Centers in marginalized areas like Kushtia sadar, Mirpur and Kumarkhali Upazilla. These centers offer a safe and inclusive learning environment, helping children from Dalit and indigenous communities overcome barriers to education. Since its inception, the initiative has supported 450 children, enabling them to continue their education. However, limited funding has hindered the expansion of these efforts, and there is an urgent need for sustainable financial support.

The core challenge is creating long-term, community-driven support systems that ensure continued access to education and social services, even after donor funding ends. The Education Support for Marginalized People project seeks to engage local communities, empowering them to take ownership of educational development and address the deep-rooted issues of exclusion that perpetuate poverty and inequality.

Rationale

Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering marginalized communities. Despite the legal guarantees of equality in Bangladesh, Dalit and Adibashi children are often deprived of quality education due to discrimination, social exclusion, and lack of awareness. This project seeks to support and integrate these communities into the mainstream education system by addressing the systemic barriers they face. By providing a nurturing environment and resources, the initiative aims to ensure that these children are not left behind.

Project Title: Education Support for Marginalized People

Project Duration: 6 Years (January 2006 – December 2011)

Work Area: Dalit and Adibashi Colony of Kushtia Sadar, Mirpur and Kumarkhali Upazilas.

Beneficiaries: Harijon and Adibashi Children and Guardians.

Development Partner: Human Development Foundation

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

Objective 1: Provide Education Support: Ensure Dalit and Adibashi children have access to quality education, addressing barriers like discrimination and lack of resources.

Objective 2: Foster Knowledge and Creativity: Enhance the knowledge and creativity of Dalit and Adibashi children through engaging educational activities that promote personal and academic growth.

Objective 3: Raise Awareness Among Guardians: Increase awareness among Dalit and Adibashi guardians about the value of education, children’s rights, and ways to support their children’s learning.

Key Activities and Implementation Strategies

Establishment of Child Development Centers

• Establishment of centers in seven colonies to support education.
• Identification of children and support for school admissions.

Counseling and Advocacy

• Engaging parents and guardians through counseling to increase awareness about the importance of education.
• Advocacy with school authorities to ensure fair treatment and prevent discrimination.

Support for Education

• Teachers cum motivators to assist children in their daily studies and academic preparation.
• Continuous follow-up with children at risk of dropping out, and regular monitoring of educational progress.

Cultural and Extracurricular Activities

• Organizing cultural events, sports, and educational tours to enhance creativity and knowledge.
• Celebrating children’s birthdays and creating wall magazines to foster a sense of community and creativity.

Awareness-Raising Campaigns

• Regular door-to-door visits and yard meetings to educate families on human rights, child labor, sanitation, and primary healthcare.

Project Outcomes and Impact

• 450 students enrolled and successfully integrated into mainstream schools.
• 95% reduction in dropout rates among Dalit and Adibashi children.
• Increased awareness of human rights and child labor issues among 80% of guardians.
• Formation of 4 drama teams and participation in over 100 performances on education and dignity.
• 100% reduction in child labor and child marrige within the project communities.
• 80% of children gained better awareness of primary health and other life skills.
• Enhanced morality and discipline among students through structured educational activities.

Project Implementation Strategy

The Education Support for Marginalized People project’s implementation strategy is centered on community-based engagement, with teacher-cum-animators recruited from within the Dalit and Adibashi communities to ensure cultural relevance and trust. These animators provide personalized support to children, help with school admissions, and create a positive learning environment. A project monitoring committee will oversee the implementation, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the project goals. Each center will serve 25-30 children and will offer educational support, extracurricular activities, and community awareness initiatives.

Challenges Faced

• Parental reluctance to send children to school due to societal views on education.
• Discrimination and social exclusion faced by children in mainstream schools.
• Limited resources and lack of proper educational materials in community schools.
• Language barriers due to the children speaking dialects like Hindi and Bhojpuri.
• Financial constraints impacting the sustainability of the project’s initiatives.

Project Lessons Learned and Recommendations:

• Community Involvement is Key: Engaging local stakeholders ensures accountability and empowerment for sustainable educational support.
• Financial and Teacher Support: Continuous financial aid and teacher involvement are crucial to reduce dropout rates and enhance academic performance.
• Fundraising Programs: The clay bank initiative proved effective in raising funds and should be expanded to support long-term education goals.
• Parental Engagement: Increasing parental awareness and involvement is essential to ensuring sustained educational outcomes for Dalit students.
• Expansion and Scalability: Scaling community-based initiatives and support structures will further enhance the project’s impact across marginalized communities.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The Education Support for Marginalized People project has made a significant impact on reducing dropout rates and improving educational outcomes for Dalit and Adibashi children. However, there is still a need for continuous efforts to ensure these communities remain integrated into the education system.

Future Directions:

• Expand the project to more regions in Bangladesh.
• Increase capacity-building initiatives for local educators and community leaders.
• Develop partnerships with government and NGOs for long-term sustainability.