The “Second Chance Education Program in Bangladesh” is a government-led initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities to out-of-school children who have missed the chance to complete primary education. Implemented by Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA) in Kulaura Upazila of Moulvibazar District, the program is funded by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME) and is part of the Government’s broader efforts to achieve universal primary education and eliminate dropout-related inequality.
In rural and disadvantaged areas like Kulaura, many children are unable to access or complete formal schooling due to poverty, early marriage, child labor, migration, or other socio-economic barriers. This program targets such children—especially girls and children from marginalized communities—by providing them with a second opportunity to attain primary-level education in an accelerated and inclusive manner.
Key objectives of the project include:
- Reintegrating out-of-school children (aged 8–14 years) into the education system through non-formal, flexible learning centers.
- Delivering an accelerated learning curriculum that allows learners to complete the equivalent of primary education in a shorter timeframe.
- Improving foundational literacy and numeracy to prepare students for integration into formal education or vocational pathways.
- Creating a child-friendly and inclusive learning environment, with trained facilitators, locally adapted teaching materials, and community engagement.
- Strengthening community ownership and awareness to reduce dropouts and promote the value of education.
ERA established and managed community-based learning centers, recruited and trained local facilitators, and ensured regular monitoring and support to maintain the quality of education. Special attention was given to gender equity, child safety, and psychosocial well-being, making the learning experience holistic and supportive.Through this initiative, ERA contributed to the national goal of “Education for All”, helping children who were previously left behind to gain essential knowledge, skills, and confidence. The project not only helped improve literacy rates in the region but also empowered families and communities to recognize education as a right and a path to a better future.