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BRAC Non-Formal Primary Education (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh, Asia (South)

The world's largest private secular education system, reaching over 1 million children through 'one-room schools' since 1985. BRAC schools serve children who cannot access or dropped out of formal education, with 70% of students being girls. Schools condense 5-year curriculum into 4 years with trained local teachers (mostly women). The Kishori (adolescent girls) school variant targets 11-14 year olds who never attended school, with health education integrated into curriculum. This model inspired non-formal education programs across Asia and Africa.

Behavior Goal

Provide second-chance education access for marginalized children, particularly girls, through community-based schools

Methods & Approaches

Community Mobilization

Implementers & Partners

  • BRAC

Donors & Sponsors

  • Various bilateral donors
  • DFID
  • USAID
  • Private foundations

Key Takeaways

  • 1Over 1 million students in non-formal schools, 70% girls
  • 2Local women trained as teachers - creating employment and role models
  • 3Kishori schools target adolescent girls 11-14 with integrated health education
  • 4Model replicated across 11 countries in Asia and Africa

Sources

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