Family Futures - pathways out of extreme poverty

The pandemic has led to rising levels of unemployment amongst the poorest families in Bangladesh. As a result, more children than ever were sent to work instead of school to contribute to their family’s income. A recent joint study from the World Bank and United Nations agencies estimated that 1 out of every 10 girls in Bangladesh did not return to school as they reopened after the COVID-19 lock-downs. Instead, they worked long hours in high-risk physical occupations, often vulnerable to abuse.

UKBET’s purpose is to use education to radically change and improve the lives of working children and their families. UKBET teachers and fieldworkers bring teaching and learning to girls enslaved in domestic work, to boys in hazardous occupations as well as support for income generating to their families. In 2021 a new pilot programme was started teaching children found daily scouring rubbish tips as a way of earning money. The impact of UKBET’s programmes are significant. Working children learn to read, write, use numbers and take better care of themselves. Some return to school, others move into vocational training and safe employment. Families become self-sufficient or are referred to other agencies for support; all enjoy free healthcare. This report is a tribute to the participation and determination of these children and their families.

Doorstep learning programme for Girls in domestic work

Doorstep Learning brings basic education, healthcare and support to children forced to work as domestic servants due to family poverty. Our programme gives children access to education and support to move out of forced labour. It also helps end their family’s dependency on child labour

-        204 young girls and 152 of the families of working children, which in total is over 900 children and adult beneficiaries

-        Schools were closed for much of 2021 but in the short time they were open, 48 out of 204 girls left work for school

-        51 younger siblings of working children broke the pattern of following their sisters into work and went to school instead

-        32 young women enrolled into vocational training as an important step towards a new and better future

-        5 awareness-raising programmes were organised for families and other local stakeholders highlighting children’s rights and the importance of education

-        30 micro-grants were awarded to help families generate a secure income and reduce or stop dependency on their working children

-        343 family members were supported to get COVID-19 vaccinations and arrangements made with Sylhet Corporation for UKBET children to be vaccinated.

Education & rehabilitation programme for Boys in hazardous work

Our Working Children's programme is for boys employed illegally in hazardous work. Fieldworkers persuade their parents and employers to allow the children to attend 90-minute sessions three times a week at one of our four community-based education centres in Sylhet.

-        Over 200 working children attend every week and develop important literacy, numeracy and life skills. They are also given healthy food and access to healthcare.

-        207 children enrolled on UKBET's Working Children's programme 8 children left work for school

-        27 siblings enrolled at school rather than following their brothers into work

-        17 families were supported with micro-grants for small businesses

-        3 families received grants for medical support

-        During Eid 2021 clothing and food parcels were distributed to 396 working children and their families.

Your donations make a profound impact to the futures of working children. No matter the amount, they are always much appreciated. We are ambitious to reach many more of the millions of children working in exploitative and often hazardous situations. Internationally there are very few interventions that successfully provide learning and a route out of this slavery; with your help our project has now proved it can do both.