Inclusion of Nomadic Bede Girl Children in Primary Education Opportunity

Opening doors to education for nomadic Bede girls in Bangladesh

Location: Kuchiyamora, Keraniganj Upazila, Bangladesh
Timeline: March 2022 – February 2023
Partners: Pratichi (Bangladesh) Trust, Grambangla Unnayan Committee
Beneficiaries: 30 children (16 girls, 14 boys) from the nomadic Bede community
Focus Areas: Education, gender inclusion, community engagement, child development

The Challenge

The nomadic Bede community, often called “river gypsies,” moves frequently for livelihood, leaving children without access to formal schools. Over 95% of Bede children are illiterate, and most families live below the poverty line. Traditional education systems were inaccessible, and cultural nomadism created high dropout risks.

What We Did

  • Conducted awareness-raising meetings with Bede community members about the importance of education.

  • Recruited a teacher from the Bede community through a structured selection process.

  • Visited 30 households to enroll children and provide non-formal primary education.

  • Formed a Participatory Action Research Team with community members to guide educational planning.

  • Held training sessions on handwashing, health, and hygiene for children.

  • Organized participatory design meetings with architects to establish a sustainable school structure.

  • Conducted annual examinations and distributed books and educational materials to all students.

Impact

  • 30 children enrolled in non-formal primary education; all learned Bangla & English alphabets, counting, and rhymes.

  • 100% exam pass rate among 26 students who participated; all 30 promoted to Class I.

  • Community ownership: Bede parents engaged actively in school establishment and management planning.

  • Sustainable model: School design incorporated participatory input from architects and community.

Lessons Learned

  • Community involvement is critical for sustaining education in nomadic populations.

  • Recruiting teachers from within the community strengthens trust and engagement.

  • Flexible education models are crucial for accommodating nomadic lifestyles.

Quote

“Nowadays, we cannot earn enough money from our traditional work. If our children remain uneducated, they will face serious troubles in the future. That’s why I want my children to be educated.” — Female Bede participant