Innovative schooling in Bangladesh

Cyclone Sidr hit the south coast of Bangladesh in late 2007 affecting around nine million people, half of them children. The cyclone caused severe damage to the region’s infrastructure, destroying homes, roads, agricultural land and schools. Many children were traumatised by the disaster which left their families unable to meet even their most basic needs of food, water and shelter.

In the immediate aftermath many children had nowhere to study or no incentive to prioritise gaining an education.  School dropout rates rose sharply in cyclone-affected areas and motivation among teachers and students was at an all-time low. Some children were forced to work to help support their family’s income while others felt embarrassed to return to formal education in case they were unable to keep up with the curriculum.

Islamic Relief’s child welfare officers noted that there has been little incentive for children to attend school, particularly after the disaster. Recreational activities are limited and some schools even continue to practise corporal punishment such as slapping, beating or ear-pulling and humiliating pupils in front of other children. 

In order to encourage children back into school Islamic Relief launched an alternative education programme called Anondo Biddaloy, or School of Joy. This approach to schooling addresses not only children’s educational needs but their emotional wellbeing, social needs and physical health. Pupils are given healthy supplementary food during their school day, receive regular health checks and have access to a range of recreational activities. The curriculum is also designed to addresses the various social and economic needs of older children, providing skills training to help them earn a living when they leave school.

The Anondo Biddaloy method has an innovative child-centred approach to learning and development. Teachers for example are not central figures of authority but classroom facilitators who encourage pupils to learn through methods such as active dialogue and role-play. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and receive gender-awareness as well as leadership training.

In 2008 Islamic Relief set up Anondo Biddaloy schools in Bagerhat and Patuakhali, two of the districts worst-affected by Cyclone Sidr. The 20 schools provide holistic care for 600 primary and secondary age children who were traumatised by the disaster and had no incentive to attend formal schools. In additional to the national curriculum, Islamic Relief’s Anondo Biddaloy schools educate children on their rights and encourage independence and responsibility. The aim is that by the time they leave school they are educated, healthy, confident and empowered adolescents with a range of skills to help them in the workplace and in living happier, more fulfilled lives.