Basic Education for Working Children - Phase II

Results achieved as of the end of the project include: (1) 6 646 learning centres were established in Bangladesh's six main divisional cities; (2) all teachers and supervisors of the 6 646 learning centers received one foundation training and four refresher training courses on interactive teaching methodology; (3) child-friendly basic education curricula and materials were developed emphasizing knowledge and life skills useful for poor urban children; (4) 166 150 urban working children (60% of whom are girls) had access to quality learning materials in the centres as a result of improved printing and procurement efforts; (5) 150 573 learners (60% of whom are girls) completed the 40-month basic education course with functional literacy numeracy and enhanced life skills (the equivalent of grades 1 to 3); and (6) 7 255 students completed livelihood training. Rapid assessments of the students’ learning achievements were conducted at the last learning cycle of each group of learners. An assessment completed in 2011 observed that 69% of the first group of graduates acquired functional literacy and numeracy skills and this percentage increased to 74% for the final group of graduates. These results have contributed to improve the basic competencies and livelihood skills of urban working children in Bangladesh’s main divisional cities. Canada supported this project from 2006 to 2012. The project continued operations in 2013 with funds from other donors.