A day of fun and inspiration for working children in Bangladesh

The 900 working children we work with in Bangladesh have recently enjoyed their annual Sports Day and picnic, organised by our partner organisations MUKTI.

Every child who attends the Community Schools supported by Children on the Edge in the area was invited along for a day of races, games, food and prizes.

Awards were given to total of 223 children to recognise many different achievements ranging from  best student,  to best school results and 100% attendance of the class in a year.

Project worker Mamum Rashid describes the event: “The best thing about the day was that it’s a big gathering for all the children, so they are introducing each other, making friends and enjoying their freedom on the day. They are also learning sporting discipline and those who win prizes are really inspired.”

The children who attend the Community Schools are all from different slums throughout Cox’s Bazar and the low income of their families mean that they need to contribute earnings just so their households can survive. These families cannot afford to lose this income, so education is out of the question. The Community schools provide free education for a few hours each day, enabling the children to continue their roles with their families and not miss out on their learning. The schools also focus on giving them time to just be children, free from the ‘adult’ responsibilities of earning and working. They play with their friends, freshen up and enjoy a snack each day.

Mamun goes on to say “It was a completely different emotion at the picnic session. Everyone is equal, there was lots of smiling and joy, which is something, in their lives they often miss out on”. 

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