Non-Formal Primary Education (NFPE) in Bangladesh has been a transformative initiative aimed at providing basic education to children who are out of reach of the formal education system. Spearheaded by organizations like BRAC, NFPE programs target children aged 8–10 who have never enrolled in school or have dropped out, offering a flexible and community-based learning environment. These programs typically run for three to four years, covering grades I–V, and focus on imparting essential literacy, numeracy, and life skills. The curriculum is designed to be contextually relevant, often integrating cultural activities to engage students. Teachers, predominantly women from local communities, receive specialized training to effectively deliver the curriculum and foster a supportive learning atmosphere. Studies have shown that students in NFPE programs perform comparably, and in some areas such as life skills and writing, even surpass their peers in formal schools. By addressing the educational needs of marginalized children, NFPE has played a crucial role in promoting literacy, reducing gender disparities, and contributing to the socio-economic development of rural communities in Bangladesh.
