Doorstep learning for girls in domestic work

Overview

The first quarter of 2026 marks a focused and promising start for the UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET) under the Doorstep Learning Programme (DLP). Building on the progress of 2025, the programme continues to reach children engaged in domestic labour—bringing education directly to their doorsteps.

During this period, emphasis was placed on programme expansion, identifying new children, and strengthening support systems to ensure long-term, sustainable impact.

Our 2026 Goals

• Support 504 children through DLP
• Facilitate 78 school admissions
• Enroll 78 children in vocational training
• Provide microgrant support to 80 families
• Deliver 35 teacher training sessions

What We Achieved (January – March 2026) Children Reached

• 268 children attending regular DLP sessions
• 97 identified for school admission
• 89 identified for vocational training

Children continue weekly sessions to strengthen foundational skills and prepare for education or skills training.

Programme Expansion

• 22 community teachers across 21 locations
  • 17 in Sylhet
  • 4 in Moulvibazar

This expansion is helping us reach more underserved communities.

Teacher Development

• 7 training sessions conducted (out of 35 planned)

Focused on inclusive teaching and supporting children transitioning from labour to learning.

Health and Wellbeing

• 248 health screenings conducted

Helping prevent health-related setbacks that could push children back into labour.

Family Livelihood Support

• 8 families identified for microgrants (out of 80 annual target)
• Disbursement begins in April

This support will help reduce financial pressure on families and protect children’s access to education.

Stories from the Field (In Progress)

(Names are pseudonyms to protect identities)

1. “Asha”
Asha, a young girl currently engaged in domestic work, attends DLP sessions regularly despite her responsibilities. She dreams of becoming a police officer. She has been identified for school admission and is now preparing for entry into formal education in early 2027, while continuing her learning journey through the programme.

2. “Nusrat”
Nusrat, an adolescent girl, has been identified for vocational training by her community teacher. She will begin a beauty therapy course next month. After completing the training, she will receive a kit to support her work, helping her transition from child domestic labour toward safer employment opportunities.

Looking Ahead

In the next quarter, we will:

• Begin microgrant disbursement
• Launch vocational training programmes
• Continue regular DLP sessions
• Expand teacher training delivery
• Strengthen monitoring and follow-up systems

Conclusion

The progress made in the first quarter of 2026 reflects steady steps toward reducing child domestic labour through education and livelihood support. With continued support, we are helping children move from vulnerability toward opportunity—one doorstep at a time.