The Child Bride to Bookworm Project of Plan International Bangladesh marked a significant milestone as the end line survey findings were shared during a recent event held at the Cirdap Auditorium on Monday.
The occasion focused on presenting the outcomes of the end line study for the Christmas calendar project and advocating with the government to extend the project's success to all secondary schools in Bangladesh.
Moreover, it aimed to encourage like-minded stakeholders to take up and sustain the Child Bride to Bookworm (CBB) project activities in their schools and communities.
Prof Nehal Ahamed, the Director-General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), graced the event as the Chief Guest.
In his speech, he expressed his commitment to strengthening child protection measures. He said, "Initiatives will be taken to establish Child Protection Committees in all schools, and we must accelerate the activities of the Sexual Abuse Prevention Committees in our schools. The new program should emphasize the practical side of education, and all educational institutions should adopt these values. Teachers and educational authorities should take the lead in sustaining the achievements of this project."
The event was also attended by prominent individuals, including Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, Prof Md Shahedul Khabir Chowdhury, Director (CLGE & Admin) Directorate of Secondary & Higher Education Bangladesh, Prof Muhammad Belal Husain, Director (Secondary), Directorate of Secondary & Higher Education Bangladesh, and Prof Dr AQM Shafiul Azam, Director (Planning & Development), Directorate of Secondary & Higher Education Bangladesh.
Prof Dr Mesbah Kamal of the Department of History at the University of Dhaka and Chairperson and Farzana Bari, Project Manager at Plan International Bangladesh, provided an overview of the survey findings.
The project has had a remarkable impact, with 10,079 children from slum areas benefiting directly.
Collaborating with 675 teachers, 201 School Management Committees (SMC), 1,167 parents, and 2,015 marginalized families, the project has created a positive influence.
A total of 675 teachers received training in Gender-Responsive Inclusive Pedagogy, while 125 teachers benefited from Gender Equity Movement in Schools training. Furthermore, 222 teachers were equipped with Flexible Learning Package training, and 50 teachers received Psychosocial First Aid training.
Notably, 95% of students attended the half-yearly exam in the current academic year, indicating the project's effectiveness.
The CBB project contributed to cash support for marginalized families, enabling them to establish businesses and secure a stable income, significantly improving their lives. It also initiated infrastructural enhancements, further promoting sustainable school development.
The survey findings reveal the project's substantial success in enhancing the quality of education, which could be replicated in general secondary schools, both government and non-government, throughout the country.
Moreover, the results indicate the potential for the project to address climate change issues, particularly in school programming. Such projects should be designed on a larger timescale to ensure long-term sustainability.
A presentation titled "Voices of the Grassroots" was held during the event, featuring testimonies from adolescent girls who shared how the project improved their leadership skills, creativity, and sense of responsibility.
It opened new horizons for them, allowing them to become more creative and accountable through exceptional co-curricular activities.
The event was capped off with a short film screening by the implementing partner organization entitled, "I am the solution."
The Child Bride to Bookworm Project has achieved its objectives and paved the way for broader education and community development initiatives.
