Bangladesh-US Launches $18M Education Scheme for Rural Children

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has joined Bangladesh's Primary and Mass Education Ministry to launch a project involving $18 million to improve learning opportunities for primary school children in hard-to-reach areas. 

With the goal of creating a more inclusive education system, the five-year project named "Shobai Miley Shikhi (Let's all learn together)" will train teachers to improve their skills in reaching students of all abilities in the classroom and provide specialized learning materials.

The new project will engage parents, communities, and advocacy organisations for persons with disabilities to alleviate some of the unique challenges affecting students with special needs. 

The program will also strive to reduce stigma towards students with disabilities and help children with special ability position themselves to complete their education.

USAID Mission Director Kathryn D. Stevens and Primary and Mass Education secretary Farid Ahmed jointly launched the project in the capital, said a press release. 

Stevens said improving the quality of learning for children with disabilities and making sure no child is left behind in their educational pursuits is a priority for the US government. 

"This is why we are enthused to launch this new project with our partners from the Government of Bangladesh as we strive to achieve our shared vision of helping children of all skill levels and abilities complete their studies," she added. 

The USAID 'Shobai Miley Shikhi' project will be implemented by Research Triangle Institute International and will work closely with the primary and mass education ministry in targeting upazilas to begin rolling out the new inclusive education project, said the release.