Children learn active citizenship in Bangladesh Case Study Click on the following links for further information about this case study: Teacher's Notes Student Activities Background Bangladesh is one of the world's most densely populated countries, placing pressure on land and other resources. Many families in Bangladesh live in extreme poverty and consequently their children have to work long hours for very low wages instead of going to school. Such poverty is often made worse by floods in the Ganges and Brahmaputra River Deltas where Bangladesh is situated. Projects in the Tangail District The Government is the main provider of primary education in Bangladesh. School attendance is compulsory and free, but since children are often working to assist their family earn an income, many only attend for five years. There are large classes and teachers have limited access to teaching resources. There is also a shortage of books. A number of projects sponsored by Save the Children Australia with support from the Australian Government and implemented by a range of local organisations, aim to improve the quality of life for rural and working children. Projects have been set up in the Tangail District to: The projects seek to provide rural and working children with access to education, which includes learning English.   provide rural and working children with access to education, health facilities and other services develop children's skills in leadership training and ways of gaining their rights provide recreational opportunities improve the working conditions and access to services for these children by approaching the Government and bringing attention to the problems. The projects work to develop strong links within the communities, involving community leaders, parents and employers in project activities. The projects also focus on developing guidelines for minimum wage levels, leave and medical facilities for working children. Shishu Parishads Shishu Parishads (Children's Councils) have been formed and strengthened with the involvement of children. All children, whether they are students or not, children with disabilities, rich or poor are entitled to be members. The councils have been formed to help children gain their rights of participation and freedom of expression in their families and community. Kids increase confidence through activities such as public speaking.   As a consequence of their participation in and actual control of their own Shishu Parishads, children are able to gradually increase in confidence, become aware of their rights and develop assertive skills needed to gain these rights. Consequently, the children are learning about democracy and developing the skills to participate in democratic ways. At the end of each year new children are enrolled in the Shishu Parishads. They are entitled to join when they reach the age of six years and are 'graduated' when they reach 15 years. When a Shishu Parishad has received three years support from the project it will be expected to support itself. All Shishu Parishads will continue to participate in the sports, cultural activities and other events. Drop-in centres The project has also set up drop-in centres for working children. Drop-in centres provide a small library for children to borrow books and practise their reading skills. They also provide other services. For example, the Madhupur drop-in centre is a place where children meet, with recreation facilities and staff available for advice. The girls who visit the centre suggested that karate classes be offered to provide them with protection in the streets as well as helping them to keep fit. The staff asked for assistance and a community member has volunteered his time to teach the girls karate. The drop-in centre at Madhupur has also set up other centres where children can learn to read and write. Drop-in centres provide training for children in various skills, including gardening. Child Rights Week Child Rights Week creates a festive opportunity each year for children to organise and participate in various discussions, sports and cultural events. It also provides an opportunity for the community organisations and the children who are members of Shishu Parishads to invite influential people to events and activities. In this way they can gain support for program activities and raise awareness about issues that benefit children.   Top © Commonwealth of Australia