Stories of #GoodChange
International Day of Education
Upgrading Schools, Transforming Futures for Girls in Bangladesh
At Good Neighbours Australia, we are proud to collaborate with dedicated implementing partners who work tirelessly on the ground to support children and communities.
This International Day of Education, we shine a spotlight on Good Neighbors Bangladesh and their efforts to improve access to quality education, particularly for girls attending schools in urban slum communities across Dhaka.
IN PHOTO: Hands‑on learning thanks to renovated computer and science laboratories
Global Good Neighbours’ Efforts in Bangladesh
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, many students lack adequate support due to under-resourced schools and poor facilities. Weak infrastructure and limited learning materials leave students vulnerable to dropping out of school or being exposed to child labour, early marriage, or unsafe migration.
Sumaiya, a Year 10 student, shared how classrooms at her school were small, dull and uncomfortable, making students less inclined to attend.
“We have to be in school most of the day, but because the classroom environment was not good, we often didn’t want to come. We also needed practical education, but our school didn’t have any special facilities for that,” she said.
With no access to science or computer labs, she and other students from her school had little opportunity to practise what they learned in class.
To address these challenges, Good Neighbors Bangladesh and its corporate partner Samsung C&T worked together to renovate and upgrade Sumaiya’s school and three others in Dhaka. The project transformed the schools’ libraries, science and computer labs and digital classrooms, equipped with new furniture and learning tools. Students also now have better access to safe drinking water, clean restrooms, solar lighting, shaded seating areas and greener school environments with the establishment of environmental student clubs.
A total of 1,765 students received updated learning resources, essential school supplies, and regular health check-ups, with 598 girls receiving menstrual hygiene kits and education. Teachers participated in training on child-centred teaching methods, helping to improve classroom engagement and learning outcomes.
IN PHOTO: From worn out walls, to bright and functional learning spaces
The results have been transformative. School attendance rates increased from 91% to 97% and students’ performance in the annual public exam rose from 73.19% to 87.35%.
Studying at her library and using the computer lab, Sumaiya now has a supportive place to learn and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.
“Now our school is much more beautiful and organised. We study in the library, do gardening, and learn about child rights. We are more confident and happier,” Sumaiya said.
The teachers and policymakers commended the initiative and have been inspired to sustain the improvements moving forward. “These innovations are commendable. We’re considering including these practices in our education policy to ensure every child enjoys their right to a quality education in a safe, supportive environment,” Dr. Azam, Director of Planning and Development, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education said.
Get involved
Good Neighbours Australia also continues to work with Good Neighbors Bangladesh to support students – especially girls – with improved access to education.
For many girls, staying in school is made harder by barriers such as poor menstrual health support. Girls can miss up to 50 days of school each year due to their menstrual cycle, and more than 86 percent of girls in Bangladesh lack access to adequate sanitation facilities to manage their periods safely. Ensuring girls receive the support they need during menstruation is critical to keeping them in school and protecting their future opportunities.
In 2026, we will continue our Better Life for Girls program, targeting remote and rural schools in Bangladesh. The program will build new toilets and Adolescent Corners – dedicated spaces that provide water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, access to menstrual health products, and areas to rest. Meanwhile, teachers will be trained to better support girls’ needs during menstruation. Since its launch in Bangladesh in 2024, the program has distributed 3,224 menstrual health kits and established four Adolescent Corners.
IN PHOTO: Upgraded school libraries and hallways, now a conducive place to learn and connect
Ready to Make a Difference?
Your donation helps girls stay in school and build a brighter future. Sign up as a regular donor today. Visit https://gnau.kindful.com/ or learn more about the program at the Better Life for Girls page.
Lend a hand. That’s what good neighbours are for.
