Doorstep learning for girls in domestic work

Progress Report 2025

Bringing Education to Children Trapped in Domestic Labour

Overview

The year 2025 has been a period of steady progress and renewed commitment for the UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET) under the Doorstep Learning Programme. Through our work in several wards of Sylhe city, including tea garden communities, we continue to provide access to education for girls engaged in domestic labour.

Our programme has expanded its reach, strengthened community engagement, and deepened our support systems for learners and families. This report outlines the achievements of 2025, highlighting the dedication of our community teachers, the children enrolled in our programme, and the ongoing vocational and awareness initiatives implemented throughout the year.

Key Achievements (January–December 2025)

Community Teachers

Our programme is powered by a dedicated group of 23 community teachers who bring education directly to girls at their homes and neighbourhood spaces. These teachers are trained to deliver foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills, ensuring that learning remains accessible despite the challenges faced by child domestic workers.

Locations Covered

We are currently operating across 20 locations in Sylhet, including several tea garden communities. These strategic locations ensure that girls living in isolated or labour-dependent households have consistent access to learning opportunities.

Children Engaged 

At the beginning of the programme cycle, 291 girls were enrolled in the Doorstep Learning Programme. Based on regular roll-in and roll-out throughout the year, the current number of actively enrolled learners stands at 290. These girls are receiving regular lessons and personalised academic support tailored to their individual learning needs.

School Admission Target (December 2025 – January 2026)

We plan to admit 108 girls into formal schools in December 2025. These children will begin attending school in January 2026. This target reflects our strengthened engagement with families and schools, and our growing capacity to support successful school reintegration.

Livelihood Support Provided

Throughout the year, 83 families were supported through in-kind livelihood assistance, including essential materials and resources rather than cash. This support enabled families to start small income-generating activities or strengthen existing ones, helping reduce reliance on children’s income and allowing families to prioritise their children’s education.

Vocational Training for Children

A total of 87 girls have received vocational training in 2025, equipping them with practical skills that can help reduce dependency on hazardous or exploitative labour in the future.

Vocational Training for Siblings

Sibling-focused vocational training has supported 11 individuals, enabling families to diversify income sources and ease the economic pressures that often push younger children into domestic labour.

Sibling Education Support (VT / General Education)

So far, 4 siblings have been admitted to school through targeted educational support. This number is expected to increase as further siblings are identified and supported.

Community Awareness Sessions

Over the year, 54 community awareness sessions were conducted, engaging parents, employers, and community members to promote child rights, access to education, and safer working environments.

Case Studies

(Names are pseudonyms)

1. “Rima” (Not real name)

Rima (Not real name), a 12-year-old domestic worker from a tea garden community, joined our programme earlier this year. Despite long working hours, she attends regular Doorstep Learning Programme sessions. Her reading and writing skills have shown remarkable improvement, and with the support of her community teacher, she is preparing for school admission in 2026.

2. “Shila” (Not real name)

Shila (Not real name) received vocational training in tailoring through our Skills for Children initiative. Her confidence has grown significantly, and she now supports her mother in stitching work, reducing the need for her to engage in domestic labour. She continues her academic lessons alongside skill-building.

Moving Forward

As we move into 2026, UKBET remains committed to expanding the Doorstep Learning Programme and increasing our impact at the root level. Our priorities include:

• Strengthening pathways to formal schooling
• Scaling skill development opportunities for girls and their siblings
• Deepening community engagement to challenge the normalization of child labour
• Enhancing monitoring and support systems for sustained educational progress

Conclusion

The achievements of 2025 reflect the resilience of our learners, the dedication of our community teachers, and the trust placed in us by families across Sylhet. With continued support, UKBET will persist in its mission to bring education, dignity, and hope to girls trapped in domestic labour.

UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET)
Doorstep Learning Programme
Half-Yearly Progress Report: January–June 2025
Bringing education to children trapped in domestic labour

Overview

The Doorstep Learning Programme is UKBET’s flagship initiative to support children involved in domestic work through flexible, community-based education. The programme continues to make progress in transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Sylhet City by combining learning, awareness, and economic support for families.

Key Achievements (Jan–June 2025)

• Community Teachers
  A total of 21 trained community teachers are actively running doorstep learning sessions, providing one-on-one support and guidance to working children.
• Locations Covered in Sylhet City
  The programme has expanded to 19 locations in Sylhet City, ensuring children can access learning within their own communities.
• Children Currently Learning
  274 children are currently participating in regular literacy, numeracy, and life skills sessions delivered through the Doorstep model.
• Children Reached Since January
  Since the beginning of 2025, 334 children have been engaged through the programme, including those who have transitioned to school or vocational training.
• School Admission Target (2025)
  School preparation and counselling are ongoing to help meet the annual target of 72 admissions, ensuring children return to formal education.
• Micro-Grants Provided
  So far, 20 families have received micro-grants out of a yearly target of 72, helping them reduce reliance on their child’s income and support safer livelihoods.
• Vocational Training for Children
  47 children have completed basic vocational training (out of a target of 72), equipping them with practical skills for future employment.
• Vocational Training for Siblings
  Only 3 siblings have completed vocational training out of the targeted 36, highlighting the need for increased family engagement.
• Sibling Support (Education/VT)
  The programme aims to support 36 siblings with either education or vocational pathways to reduce the broader household dependency on child labour.
• Community Awareness Sessions
  32 awareness sessions have been conducted so far, engaging parents, employers, and community leaders on child rights, education, and protection, toward the annual target of 57.

Case Study: Taslima Ar (Not real name) – A Dream Beyond Labour

Taslima A (Not real name), a 10-year-old girl from Sylhet, began working as a domestic helper over a year ago to support her family. Her father’s illness and mother’s recent employment left her with heavy responsibilities at home.

Despite her difficult situation, Taslima (Not real name) dreams of going to school and becoming a teacher. She joined UKBET’s Doorstep Learning Programme earlier this year and now attends daily literacy sessions through a local learning circle. Her progress is remarkable, and she rarely misses a class.

Her community teacher shared, “Taslima(Not real name) is bright and eager. She wants to help other girls like her one day.” With continued support, her family is now considering formal school admission for her next year.

Moving Forward

In the second half of 2025, the programme will prioritise:

• Increasing school admissions before the academic year.
• Accelerating sibling vocational training.
• Disbursing additional micro-grants to reduce household dependency on child labour.
• Expanding community awareness sessions, especially in underrepresented areas.

Conclusion

The first half of 2025 has reaffirmed that local, community-led education models can create meaningful pathways for children trapped in domestic labour. With continued support, UKBET will work to ensure more children like Taslima (Not real name) have the chance to dream, learn, and thrive.

Links:

• https://youtu.be/tUIjK9sfSHM?si=0Av641CQVpc3t1Vd