Underprivileged Children's Educational Programme

Underprivileged Children's Educational Programme

Formation	1972
Headquarters	Plot #2&3, Mirpur-2, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Region served	Bangladesh
Official language	Bengali, English
Website	www.ucepbd.org

Underprivileged Children's Educational Programme (Bengali: আন্ডারপ্রিভিলেজড চিলড্রেনস এডুকেশনাল প্রোগ্রাম) is a Bangladeshi non-profit organization based in Dhaka that works with children. It works to bring more children and youth, who have dropped out of school, back to General and Technical Education, as well as engage families and communities to provide support to their children's education, training and employment. UCEP Bangladesh aims to build partnership with the government, employers, organizations and other stakeholders to foster the institutionalization and sustainability process of the efforts and promote the "Leave No One Behind" campaign by focusing on Social Inclusion.

Background

1972: UCEP BANGLADESH JOURNEY BEGINS FROM LINDSAY ALAN CHEYNE'S DREAM

The origin of Unprivileged Children's Education Programs (UCEP) is connected with a philanthropic New Zealander, Lindsay Alan Cheyne. He came over to Bangladesh (the then East Pakistan) as a rescue worker for a British humanitarian organization in 1970, when this land suffered from a colossal natural disaster in the form of tornado which hit the south-eastern coast claiming millions of lives and causing limitless loss to the homes and properties of people. Bangladesh had hardly come round from the horrible wreckages of the tornado, then started our war of liberation which brought with it great loss of lives, devastation in every part of the country. Cheyne made his existence again felt in the service of humanity. The British organization again sought the services of Cheyne to which he earnestly responded. Along with his relief operation duties, Cheyne worked for an education programme for the unprivileged, homeless, poor children in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare. L. A. Cheyne was warned by his employer in clear terms that his involvement in such a work was not compatible with their objectives since they wanted to provide health care and not education. But Cheyne was true to his cause with an indomitable determination. He left his job and volunteered to bring in some rays of hope in the life of the poor and underprivileged children of Bangladesh. He frantically looked for some financial sponsors. The Danish government came forward with a grant of three years. The government of Bangladesh donated a building. In 1972, Cheyne established UCEP (Under Privileged Children's Educational Programs), and registered it as an international non-government organization.

DREAM TO REALITY: CHEYNE'S VISION COMES ALIVE

The implementation of an education program aimed at amalgamating traditional schooling with skill enhancement initiatives stands as a pivotal strategy to uplift the socio-economic status of child laborers. By integrating conventional education with specialized skill training, this program not only fosters academic growth but also equips children with practical skills essential for improving their quality of life. Central to this initiative is the creation of educational opportunities tailored specifically for child laborers, aiming to reduce illiteracy rates and cultivate a skilled workforce. Particularly focused on urban areas, where underprivileged children from impoverished families are most vulnerable, this program offers free learning opportunities, thereby ensuring accessibility while keeping administrative costs minimal. Through these concerted efforts, the program endeavors to break the cycle of poverty and empower marginalized communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary for a brighter future.

FROM VISION TO ACTION: UCEP BANGLADESH'S ENDEAVOR FOR EDUCATION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

The programme was initiated in 1973 in the lawn of the Department of Social Welfare of Dhaka University. That created substantial enthusiasm. By 1980, ten schools were established at different parts of Dhaka, consisting of 3086 students. In view of the demands of the society and rising pressures of working children in the urban areas, the programme was extended to other divisional cities. In 1980, two schools were established in Chittagong with 350 students; the number of schools in Chittagong has now risen to eight. Khulna and Rajshahi came under the extension programmes in 1981 and 1994 respectively. From 1982, UCEP has started its programme in Nepal. The experience of running the general schools led UCEP to think about the development of working skills of the children.

In 1983, UCEP established the vocational schools the first of which was started in Dhaka. In 1988, UCEP was registered as a national non-government organisation. The training cell of UCEP was established in 1989 and two years later, in 1991, employment programme for the students was introduced. Vocational schools were started at Chittagong and Khulna in 1992 and 1993 respectively. In 1995, par- trade programme was simultaneously introduced at Dhaka and Chittagong. Similar programme was started at Rajshahi with the financial assistance of ILO. In 1997, the 'Hard-to Reach' programme was introduced in joint collaboration with UNICEF and the Department of Non-Formal Education of the Government. Para-trade programme specially designed for the physically disabled was introduced in 1998 with assistance from Radda Barnen.