Family Literacy Program initiated by non-governmental organizations is facilitating the scope for learning and strengthening familial bonding in Shalikha upazila, Magura.
The non-governmental organizations (NGO), ROVA Foundation and ISADO jointly initiated the program in 150 families in the upazila, following the ideas developed by Sharoj Kumar Das, assistant director of the Bureau of Non-Formal Education in Magura.
"The higher authorities in the government has been notified of this program, which is still in an experimental stage, and is completely operated and managed by the NGOs," said Sharoj.
Under the program, NGO members have been training 150 families by making visits to their residences at least once each week since July, 2019, said sources. The family members are taught efficient coordination, which will help them to learn and also teach each other while having fun.
The lessons include basic mathematics, moral education, and religious teachings. The program has been apprising people of the demerits of different social menaces like drug addiction, early marriage, dowry, and sexual harassment.
The program focuses on each family member, which encourages them to share their knowledge and experiences according to their individual merit despite their age.
The program is based on the idea that the senior members of the family will have things to learn from the junior members, and likewise will have something of value to teach them.
Indoor games such as Ludu and Bagaduli have been played among the family members to teach them basic arithmetic.
Kapana Akhter of Junnery village, said: "My daughter recently taught me how to read and write."
A septuagenarian, Shathi Khatun of Arpara village, said: "My grandchild taught me how to read. Now I feel that learning do not depend on age."
Md Alamgir Kabir, assistant district education officer of Magura, said: "The concept of family literacy is popular in the USA, UK, Canada, and South Africa. We appreciate the initiatives of the Family Literacy Program in Shalikha Upazila. Such a program not only educates the population but also develops intimacy and bonding among family members."
