Bangladesh

Priority Projects in Bangladesh

Community Learning Action Program

Focuses on increasing awareness of and access to Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and quality basic education; through advocacy and the establishment of resource networks. Read More

Our plan in Bangladesh

Plan, in partnership with local development agencies, is working at the grassroots level in Bangladesh to empower communities to bring real and lasting change, so that their children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Plan has worked in Bangladesh (population 153 million) since 1994 and presently works in seven districts.  Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in the world, where nearly half the population lives on less than $2 a day.  Plan’s programs aim to address the following issues affecting children:

• Poor quality education
  
• High maternal and child mortality rate
  
• Low family economic security
  
• Gender discrimination and child abuse
  
• Lack of awareness and respect for child rights
• Vulnerability to natural disasters
  

Plan’s programs and strategies to address these issues include:

Community learning

Community learning begins with early childhood development for children aged 3 to 5 years and supports their physical, social, mental and emotional growth. Early learning sessions help prepare disadvantaged children for primary school.  While older children (many work to help support their families), can attend basic education classes. Community forums also provide feedback and ideas to improve schooling for disadvantaged children.

Community healthcare

Plan works with local health services to provide communities with basic health care including provision of antenatal and postnatal care to mothers and immunising children against common childhood diseases.  Health committees made up of volunteers including children, focus on providing health information on sanitation, hygiene and nutrition.

Family economic security

Microfinance and livelihood skills training helps families improve their income. Women and young people receive vocational training such as embroidery, tailoring and vegetable gardening while microfinance loans help families to set up small businesses. Farmers also receive training on sustainable agriculture practices, crop diversification and marketing.

Enabling a safe environment

Plan Bangladesh aims to create a safe environment where children, adults and local government institutions are supported as they participate in their community’s development. This includes children advocating for child rights issues such as birth registration and children’s participation in their community’s development.

Building relationships

Children learn media skills to raise awareness of child rights through print and television. Community awareness of child rights also occurs through children-lead events such as theatre, cultural, musical and dance events.  Sponsored children and other children in Plan-supported communities also share their views and experiences on child centred community development with their sponsors and other people.

Country Facts

Country	Bangladesh	Australia
Flag
Population	139.2 Million	19.9 Million
Language	Bengali	English
Capital	Dhaka	Canberra
GDP per capita (USD/year)	406	$29,000
Life expectancy	63.3	80.3
Access to safe drinking water	74%	100%
Literacy	33.1%	100%
Source:	United Nations: Millennium Development Goals Report 2006