Community Based Child Protection Programme, Bangladesh
[Photo taken at an Early Childhood Development Centre as part of a similar project in Dhaka, supported by the Garcia Foundation]
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, develop their potential and prepare for a positive future. Yet for many children growing up in industrial communities in Bangladesh, this is not always a given.
In the Gazaria area, many families have moved from other parts of Bangladesh in search of employment. Parents often work long hours, while access to safe childcare and support can be limited. Children may face risks such as school drop-out, child labour, violence and neglect, child marriage, exploitation and online harm. For younger children, there may also be limited opportunities for early learning and preparation for school.
To help address these challenges, LC Supports Foundation has entered into a partnership with Terre des Hommes Netherlands to strengthen the environment in which children grow up. Together, we are investing in a three-year programme in the Gazaria area of Bangladesh, combining direct support for children and families with a long-term approach to child protection.
A safe place to learn, play and grow
At the heart of the programme are five Early Childhood Development (ECD) Safe Spaces for children aged 3 to 6. Each year, approximately 125–150 children will have access to a safe and child-friendly environment where they can play, learn, develop social skills and prepare for primary school while their parents are at work. Priority will be given to children from families working in the surrounding industrial communities, while vulnerable children from the wider community can also participate.
The programme goes beyond early childhood development. Five Child Rights Clubs will bring together children aged 10–14, while a Youth Forum will give young people aged 15–18 a platform to participate. Through these groups, children and young people will learn about their rights, safety, online risks and leadership, as well as how and where to seek support when they need it. Most importantly, they are encouraged to have a voice in matters that affect their own lives and communities.
Supporting parents and communities
Children thrive when the people around them have the knowledge and support they need. The programme therefore works closely with parents and caregivers through positive parenting programmes and Parent Support Groups, where parents can exchange experiences, discuss practical challenges and support one another.
Schools, employers, community leaders, religious leaders, local authorities and other organisations will also be involved in conversations about issues such as child labour, child marriage, violence, school drop-out, online safety and early childhood development.
Building a stronger local child protection system
An important ambition of the programme is to create impact that lasts beyond the individual activities.
Schools, local government, health and social services, employers and community organisations already play a role in supporting children. The programme will help these different actors work more closely together. Available support services will be mapped, referral pathways strengthened and clear agreements developed on what should happen when a child needs help: who identifies a concern, where it should be reported, where a child can be referred and who follows up.
In this way, the ECD Safe Spaces, Child Rights Clubs, Youth Forum and parent groups become part of a wider community-based child protection system, rather than operating as separate activities. Safeguarding is embedded throughout the programme, with clear procedures, training and oversight to ensure that children’s safety and wellbeing always come first.
Creating impact that lasts
Ultimately, this partnership is about much more than creating safe spaces for children today. It is about strengthening the people and organisations around them so that children can continue to be protected and supported in the future.
By giving young children a strong start, empowering children and young people, supporting parents and connecting communities, schools, employers and local authorities, LC Supports Foundation, Terre des Hommes Netherlands and its local partner Breaking the Silence aim to contribute to stronger communities in which children can grow up safely, stay in education and develop their full potential.
The programme is supported by Royal LC Packaging’s joint venture Dutch-Bangla Pack and long-term production partner Sinobangla Industries, both located in the Gazaria area.
Follow our LinkedIn page to stay up to date on the programme and its progress.
