DUCATION: Globally, over 100 million children do not go to school. Those who do often have inadequate classrooms, books, or teachers. Plan works to provide children with an education and a future.

Here is an example of a Plan-funded education program in Bangladesh.

"If my father's crops fail, there is no money for me to go to school. Because I don"t go, I won't get a proper job."

Kajal, 8, Bangladesh

Kajal's description of his life is the norm for millions of children in Bangladesh. And when these children from poor families do get to attend school, they are usually behind in their learning. Large classes and a teacher.s limited time makes it almost impossible for them to catch up.

But children like Kajal, through Plan.s Community Learning Assistance Program, can shake off the label 'slow learner', and achieve good school grades leading to that 'proper job'.

The program helps children from poor families improve their enjoyment of learning and school performance. Through consultation with parents and schools, the project has set up 'learning camps' for children.

Camp tutors, selected by the community, are trained in child centred teaching methods using learning materials developed by Plan Bangladesh that complement the national curriculum. The tutor's role is to facilitate children.s learning, with children being active in problem solving and group work. Parents take on the day-to-day management of the camps, which operate outside normal school hours.

As a result of the camps: children catch up to their grade level; are more motivated and regular in attending school; and are less likely to become school dropouts. The camps have also increased parent's interest and attendance in primary school committees. And school teachers are motivated to learn more about child-centred teaching methods from the changes they see in the children they previously regarded as 'slow learners'.

The project provides training for school teachers and ongoing support for schools that adopt child-friendly teaching and learning methods, which in turn improves the quality of primary education.

Plan's Community Learning Assistance Program described above is funded by grants, donations and partly from child sponsorships.