Over the past three years, international development and humanitarian organization Educo Bangladesh’s nine child rights projects have achieved measurable improvements in education, protection, and youth empowerment across multiple districts, according to findings shared at a learning event in Gulshan-2 on Tuesday.
The event, titled “Learning Sharing of the Implemented Child Rights Projects” and held at Lakeshore Grand, was organized by Educo Bangladesh in collaboration with implementing partners POPI, ESDO, and Nari Maitree. Around 170 participants attended, including government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, project beneficiaries, and media personnel.
Between 2023 and 2025, Educo’s child- and youth-centered interventions produced notable results. Project data showed that 90% of participating children demonstrated improved Bangla reading and comprehension skills, while 96% showed progress in basic numeracy. The initiatives also contributed to stronger school readiness and more regular attendance.
Among adolescents and youth, 65% reported increased confidence in self-expression and participation in community activities. In terms of protection, 82% of children and youth said they felt safer at home, in school, and in their communities, while 61% demonstrated greater awareness of protective behaviors and confidence in reporting concerns.
Mamtaz Ahmed, NDC, senior secretary at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, attended as chief guest. Emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach, he said, “We must adopt a holistic approach to building the capacities of our children and youth, as they represent the future of this nation. This event demonstrates the ongoing efforts in that direction. Addressing our challenges requires collective, impact-oriented action to ensure sustainability beyond individual projects.”
Special guest Saidur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Department of Social Services, praised Educo’s comprehensive approach to child protection. “Educo is focusing on creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for every child. Through continued collaboration, we can further strengthen efforts to ensure the well-being and protection of all children,” he said.
Project beneficiaries also highlighted the initiatives’ impact on their lives. Tania Akter, from the Aamjuan Fulbari Shishu Surokkha Committee in Ranishaikal, Thakurgaon, said the project had helped her community address child marriage and harassment more effectively. “Previously, we did not know how to respond to cases of child harassment or trust the legal system. With the support of Educo and ESDO, we now know how to report incidents and have greater confidence in the justice process,” she said.
Md Arafat Sunny, chairperson of Paragon Shopnochura Youth Club in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, described the youth development project as transformative. “I gained confidence, career guidance, and stronger leadership and communication skills. Now, I am a government official,” he said, expressing gratitude for the project’s contribution to youth capacity-building.
The event also featured a cultural segment, where children performed a short drama reflecting their learnings and perspectives. An appreciation session recognized outstanding Youth and Community-Based Child Protection Committee (CBCPC) clubs from various districts.
Educo Bangladesh shared practical recommendations drawn from project implementation and evaluation to inform policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders working to safeguard the rights of children and youth.
