By M A Sayem | Project leader
Progress Report 2025
Bringing Education to Children Trapped in Domestic Labour
Overview
The year 2025 has been a period of steady progress and renewed commitment for the UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET) under the Doorstep Learning Programme. Through our work in several wards of Sylhe city, including tea garden communities, we continue to provide access to education for girls engaged in domestic labour.
Our programme has expanded its reach, strengthened community engagement, and deepened our support systems for learners and families. This report outlines the achievements of 2025, highlighting the dedication of our community teachers, the children enrolled in our programme, and the ongoing vocational and awareness initiatives implemented throughout the year.
Key Achievements (January–December 2025)
Community Teachers
Our programme is powered by a dedicated group of 23 community teachers who bring education directly to girls at their homes and neighbourhood spaces. These teachers are trained to deliver foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills, ensuring that learning remains accessible despite the challenges faced by child domestic workers.
Locations Covered
We are currently operating across 20 locations in Sylhet, including several tea garden communities. These strategic locations ensure that girls living in isolated or labour-dependent households have consistent access to learning opportunities.
Children Engaged
At the beginning of the programme cycle, 291 girls were enrolled in the Doorstep Learning Programme. Based on regular roll-in and roll-out throughout the year, the current number of actively enrolled learners stands at 290. These girls are receiving regular lessons and personalised academic support tailored to their individual learning needs.
School Admission Target (December 2025 – January 2026)
We plan to admit 108 girls into formal schools in December 2025. These children will begin attending school in January 2026. This target reflects our strengthened engagement with families and schools, and our growing capacity to support successful school reintegration.
Livelihood Support Provided
Throughout the year, 83 families were supported through in-kind livelihood assistance, including essential materials and resources rather than cash. This support enabled families to start small income-generating activities or strengthen existing ones, helping reduce reliance on children’s income and allowing families to prioritise their children’s education.
Vocational Training for Children
A total of 87 girls have received vocational training in 2025, equipping them with practical skills that can help reduce dependency on hazardous or exploitative labour in the future.
Vocational Training for Siblings
Sibling-focused vocational training has supported 11 individuals, enabling families to diversify income sources and ease the economic pressures that often push younger children into domestic labour.
Sibling Education Support (VT / General Education)
So far, 4 siblings have been admitted to school through targeted educational support. This number is expected to increase as further siblings are identified and supported.
Community Awareness Sessions
Over the year, 54 community awareness sessions were conducted, engaging parents, employers, and community members to promote child rights, access to education, and safer working environments.
Case Studies
(Names are pseudonyms)
1. “Rima” (Not real name)
Rima (Not real name), a 12-year-old domestic worker from a tea garden community, joined our programme earlier this year. Despite long working hours, she attends regular Doorstep Learning Programme sessions. Her reading and writing skills have shown remarkable improvement, and with the support of her community teacher, she is preparing for school admission in 2026.
2. “Shila” (Not real name)
Shila (Not real name) received vocational training in tailoring through our Skills for Children initiative. Her confidence has grown significantly, and she now supports her mother in stitching work, reducing the need for her to engage in domestic labour. She continues her academic lessons alongside skill-building.
Moving Forward
As we move into 2026, UKBET remains committed to expanding the Doorstep Learning Programme and increasing our impact at the root level. Our priorities include:
Conclusion
The achievements of 2025 reflect the resilience of our learners, the dedication of our community teachers, and the trust placed in us by families across Sylhet. With continued support, UKBET will persist in its mission to bring education, dignity, and hope to girls trapped in domestic labour.
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