Dhaka:At Dhaka University's bustling Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), nine-year-old Yasin Ali stands out among the street children, balancing jasmine garlands and a worn primer. Unlike most children around him, Yasin is enrolled in a formal school, a rare opportunity not afforded to many others who sell flowers or work in campus canteens to stave off hunger.
According to United News of Bangladesh, two initiatives, School of Ghashful and Tori School, are working to provide basic literacy to these street children. However, the gap between informal learning and accredited schooling remains a significant hurdle. A survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF found that 71.8 percent of street children in Bangladesh cannot read or write, and over 36 percent have never attended school.
Despite efforts by volunteers, integrating street children into formal education systems proves challenging. Many children drop out shortly after enrolling because attending school means losing a day's income. The School of Ghashful, led by Newaz Sharif Arman, faces daily obstacles such as negotiating with security to allow children entry for lessons or finding alternative locations for classes.
Volunteers often compensate children for lost earnings, incentivizing them to attend classes with small payments and refreshments. The initiative focuses on rapid survival literacy, aiming to teach children basic skills during their short stays.
Tori School, starting in July, conducts weekend learning camps with the help of around 200 volunteers. Despite the challenges, volunteers remain committed, covering costs themselves to ensure consistency in classes.
As day turns to night at TSC, the children return to their routines, selling flowers under street lamps. Their brief educational encounters offer a glimpse of dignity, yet without systemic support, their futures remain uncertain.