AUP Education Program

was a transformative initiative that provided quality education to underprivileged children in rural Bangladesh until its conclusion in 2024. Over 22 years, it addressed illiteracy and high dropout rates by establishing 20 AUP Model Schools in Chandpur and Cumilla districts, empowering thousands with non-formal primary education (NFPE). Supported by AUP’s resources and community contributions, it laid a foundation for lifelong learning among the poorest families.

In its final phase (2023-2024), the program operated 15 education centers in Baganbari Union, Matlab North, Chandpur, alongside the 20 schools. Integrated into the ENRICH Program, these centers served 379 learners up to Class 2, focusing on slow learners without home study support. Fifteen dedicated female teachers, all under 30 with SSC-level education, delivered daily lessons, supported by refresher training for 136 educators. This effort ensured children mastered essential skills, with many transitioning to formal schooling, marking a strong finish.

The program’s impact was profound. For instance, Rahim, a 12-year-old from Cumilla, progressed from tending livestock to reading and writing fluently in his final year at an AUP Model School, aspiring to a brighter future. With 185 staff members, the program not only educated children but also shifted community attitudes, encouraging parents to prioritize learning over early labor. By 2024, it had created a robust network of schools and centers that served as educational lifelines for over two decades.

Though concluded, the program’s legacy endures. The 20 AUP Model Schools and Baganbari centers remain community assets, and graduates carry forward the skills and hope instilled. The initiative stands as a testament to AUP’s commitment to education as a tool for empowerment, leaving a generation better equipped to shape their futures.