Project Overview

Khasdobir Education, Welfare, and Development Project (KEWDP) has been implemented by SJA since 2018 with the aim of education for all, employment, and poverty alleviation to play a supporting role in the implementation of the SDG goals of the government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, especially in the development of the underprivileged poor people living in the suburbs of Sylhet. While implementing the outreach activities through door-to-door visits for the well-being and welfare of the children under this project, it was observed that there is no school for the education of children in Chitalmati of Malnichara tea garden. In this situation, the donor organization (Friends of Khasdobir, UK) agreed to provide financial assistance for the construction of a pre-primary education center at Chitalmati, Malnichara tea garden, to provide pre-primary education to the underprivileged poor children. SJA providing pre-primary education programs for children aged 4 to fewer than 6 years; unemployed young women and men Creation of employment opportunities through vocational training; assistance in obtaining services for the well-being and welfare of children through outreach services by addressing genuine needs; providing counseling to parents and caregivers for good parenting in child well-being and welfare. And to maintain the living standards of poor widows, provide allowances on a monthly basis.

Beneficiaries: Those disadvantageous people who live in the slums of 4, 5, and 6 no. of Sylhet city corporation and Tea Garden of Sylhet (Lakkatura, Hiluachora and Malnichara), especially 4–6-year-old children, youths, and widows.

Project Focus: 

• Providing pre-primary education to support the growth and development of children from marginalized communities.
• Delivering outreach services for child wellbeing through regular door-to-door visits.
• Offering vocational skills training to the youth to create opportunities for earning an income.
• Providing monthly allowances to poor widows to help them maintain a basic standard of living.

Project Activities

Pre-Primary Education

Under the KEWDP, SJA has been operating 12 pre-primary education centres, providing basic education aligned with the Government of Bangladesh curriculum to children aged 4–6 in the project areas. This initiative upholds the child’s right to protection, care, survival, and preparation for later education through play-based learning. In 2024, a total of 385 children attended these centres, and 156 of them, upon reaching the age of six, were successfully enrolled in class one of primary school, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared transition to formal education.

Computer Training for Underprivileged Students

Computer-based skills are an essential tool for accessing income-generating opportunities in today’s job market, particularly for those from underprivileged backgrounds. The expanding freelancing and outsourcing sectors create valuable prospects for young people who face challenges entering traditional employment, enabling them to earn through both online platforms and local markets. In 2024, SJA provided computer training to 40 secondary and higher secondary level students from low-income families, focusing on practical, market-oriented digital skills to prepare them for immediate income generation and greater economic independence.

SJA, with the support of Friends of Khasdobir, conducts free training programs covering Basic Computer Operation, Internet Browsing, Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel), Photo and Video Editing, and Graphics Design (Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator). This year, participants demonstrated significant improvement in their computer skills, with 21 students successfully completing the programme and receiving certification. In addition, three trainees secured employment and received further assistance through SJA’s Livelihood Support Project, enabling them to utilize their new skills for sustainable income generation.

Vocational Sewing, Block-Batik, and Hand-Embroidery Training for Young Women

SJA implemented vocational training programs to enhance income-generating skills among unemployed young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sewing training was completed by 20 participants, all of whom received sewing materials, while three top performers were awarded sewing machines to start home-based clothing businesses. Efforts are continuing to arrange wage-based employment for the remaining trainees. In addition, 40 unemployed young women successfully completed block-batik and hand embroidery training. SJA has already initiated contact with potential employers and is actively working to secure relevant job placements, ensuring that these skills contribute to sustainable livelihoods for the participants.

Outreach Services

SJA’s outreach team plays a vital role in delivering child well-being services to project areas, beneficiaries, and students enrolled in KEWDP pre-primary education centres. Through systematic door-to-door visits, the team addresses key topics such as education, health, and birth registration, while also identifying barriers that affect children’s overall development. Special attention is given to children with disabilities, ensuring they receive appropriate support. Once needs are identified, services are provided directly by the project or facilitated through referrals and linkages with relevant government or non-government organizations. In addition, the outreach team supports other KEWDP activities as needed to ensure effective and comprehensive service delivery.

The SJAs Outreach team provided support to the beneficiaries in many ways throughout this year:

• Identified 765 new beneficiaries.
• 400 children’s births were registered throughout this year and distributed among 765 new beneficiaries.
• 65 beneficiaries received health support through referral services, there were 55 for pregnancy and 10 for general health support.
• Out of 385 enrolled children, only two were recorded as dropouts.
• 36 courtyard meetings held, including 10 with mothers’ groups, 6 with juvenile groups, and the rest with mixed groups, addressing key issues such as child protection, prevention of early marriage, adolescent health, and birth registration.

Widow Allowances distribution

 Through the KEWDP, SJA provided monthly allowances of 700 taka to 40 economically disadvantaged widows in 2024, enabling them to meet their basic needs and sustain their livelihoods. This support assisted in covering essential expenses such as food, healthcare, and utilities, helping to maintain a minimal but stable standard of living. Many of the widows reported that the allowance reduced their dependence on irregular or informal support from relatives and neighbours. In some cases, the financial aid allowed them to make small savings or invest in minor income-generating activities, further contributing to their self-reliance. The initiative not only addressed immediate economic needs but also laid a foundation for longer-term stability and improved quality of life for these vulnerable women.

Day Celebration

Sylhet Jubo Academy (SJA), under the Khasdobir Education, Welfare, and Development Project (KEWDP), marked several significant national and international occasions in 2024. International Mother Language Day was celebrated at Lakkatura Shahid Minar, honouring the language martyrs with cultural activities and tributes. Independence Day celebrations took place at the project office, engaging students and staffs in drawing and patriotic performances. Victory Day was commemorated at Lakkatura Government High School. SJA also participated in International Women’s Day and Begum Rokeya Day events at the DC office promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the values of social justice.