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Practical approach to ending poverty

Learning doesn't always manage to pay the bills
Practical approach to ending poverty
Bangladeshi poor kids learn vocational trade
Published: April 19, 2012 09:15 AM GMT
Updated: April 19, 2012 09:15 AM GMT

Munia Islam enjoyed the last few months she spent at school; until her studies ended last month, she would run to get there every day. But instead of focusing only on academic subjects, Munia also learnt the skills of tailoring and dressmaking. Even at her tender age, she knows only too well that a full curriculum does not necessarily mean a full stomach. “My father died years ago and my mother, who is a sewing worker, can hardly manage to provide one square meal a day for her three children," she says. "I’m the eldest and I have to help her maintain the family." For some time, to her regret, economic necessity forced her to look for jobs in tailoring shops instead of going to school. "But the pay is very poor for someone who lacks the skills," she says. However, an innovative and highly practical project, jointly run by Caritas and UNICEF, has helped Munia and others like her  to acquire those vital skills. She was one of a group of 227 youngsters who formed the project's first intake. After completing a basic education program sponsored by UNICEF, she moved on to learn tailoring in a course offered by MAWTS,  the technical and mechanical training wing of Caritas. “The training will help me get better pay to support my family. In future my mother and I will open a tailoring shop ourselves,” says Munia, beaming. Operating out of nine Caritas centers across the country, the project's other vocational options include vehicle repair and maintenance, electrical work and welding. Imran, a 14-year-old, took one of those routes. “I’ve been helping my father as a mechanic since I was seven," he says. "I used to earn 1,200 taka (US$ 15), but even our combined income wasn't enough to maintain our family of six. "But since the course, I earn double what I was getting before. I will certainly encourage my younger brother to enroll.” The cost of the project works out at  around 17,000 taka (US$ 207) per student. Caritas provides 23 percent, with the rest coming from UNICEF. “We wanted to give practical help to those underprivileged and downtrodden kids who are languishing in poverty," says Basil Gomes, development and education officer at Caritas. "If they have basic education and vocational skills they can stand on their own two feet.” Related Reports: Caritas and UNICEF to prepare child plan  

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