Education for all
Dhaka city is a fast paced metropolis where the rich and poor co-exist. Given the need for income support most children of lowest income families in the capital city miss out the opportunity to go to school.
Working with SSKS
Unilever came forward to support an institution that provides free primary education to children of lowest income families. There exist some institutions that provide education to these hapless children and one such organisation is Shathee Samaj Kalyan Samity (SSKS), an NGO working for the slum residents in the city’s posh residential area- Banani.
Free evening school
Besides entrepreneurial training and other activities, SSKS runs a free evening school for children residing in slums and was funded by an international NGO thus far. Towards the end of 2004, the supporting organisation wrapped up its activities from Bangladesh which left SSKS floundering for funds.
With Education as one of UBL’s primary focus in CSR, UBL felt that it would be a shame to see such a wonderful initiative, providing education to over 300 underprivileged children, close down.
In January 2005, Unilever Bangladesh initiated the sponsorship of the school' major expenses. The sponsorship helps to cover salaries for the teachers and staff, uniforms and books for the students, and other administrative outflows.
Getting more out of life
Moreover, given the proximity of the school to UBL's corporate office, company managers volunteer to spend time with the children and take innovative learning sessions. These include Origami, Good behaviour, Electricity and safety etc. The children eagerly await such visits which inspire their creative thinking and is a break from the everyday school work. Unilever's Pepsodent Dentibus also visits the school premises to create awareness about good oral hygiene.
Hygiene & health
UBL volunteers also visits the school to demonstrate the importance of hygiene and health. Pop quizzes through which the children could win Lifebouy soaps, or a Pepsodent toothpaste with each correct answer creates a flurry of eager hands to jumping up to answer that makes it a sight to see!
The existence of the school is a great support for the children living in Banani, Gulshan, Badda slum areas and UBL provides support for opportunities such as training for teachers, and sports lessons for the students. Nurturing the intellect and development of the children coming to this school can help build a strong example of consciencious involvement of the privileged society in support of the needy.
