Save the Children in Bangladesh
We believe that every child deserves a future with access to basic rights, including the right to survival, protection, and development. We also believe in every child's potential to participate and contribute to a Bangladesh that works for them.
The situation for children in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has made notable progress in reducing child mortality, school enrollment, and retention. Despite this, 1 child in every 33 still dies before their 5th birthday. Children also still face challenges, including malnutrition, child marriage, and lack of education, which increases their risk and scope for better livelihoods. Moreover, Bangladesh is exceptionally vulnerable to natural hazards. It is also one of the most densely populated and rapidly urbanizing countries in the world, with children living in poverty being one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of these events.
About one-third of girls ages 15-19 are married, and 1 in 12 gives birth
30% of girls age 15+ struggle to read and write
28% of children suffer from stunting due to severe malnutrition
28% of children are out of school, and
1.5 million children have experienced disruption of their education due to natural disasters in the last three years.
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Our Work
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We started our journey 53 years ago in 1970 in response to the devastating cyclone that hit Bhola island in Bangladesh. We began by providing children and their families with emergency food supplies and medical assistance. Since then, we have been actively working with the government, civil society organizations, businesses, and others to give children the opportunities they deserve- to grow up healthy, learn, and be safe. When a crisis strikes, we are among the first to stand beside and support children and the last to leave. With 1,200 dedicated staff and over 850 volunteers nationwide, we respond to major emergencies, deliver innovative development programs, and ensure children’s voices are heard through our campaigning to build a better future for and with children.
Child Poverty
Empowering girls and women through education, entrepreneurship, skills development, and access to social protection schemes.
Guiding rural farmers on best practices for production, children’s nutrition, and engaging women in agriculture.
Supporting the National Social Security Strategy for effective interventions in areas facing extreme poverty, undernutrition, and protection risks.
Child Protection and Child Rights Governance
Activating task forces and community-based committees to enforce and advocate for child protection.
Amplifying children's voices and knowledge to demand their rights on national platforms.
Collaborating with children to implement planning, budgeting, and investment to establish equitable access to essential and social services.
Education
Initiating pedagogical approaches to strengthen critical thinking, comprehensive analysis, and social and emotional learning.
Integrating technology with education through ICT programs to enhance literacy and numeracy classes for remedial support.
Building safe spaces that protect marginalized children and provide remedial education.
Health
Enhancing existing capacities, infrastructure, referrals, and services for mothers and children to enhance national health services.
Expanding existing services by strengthening core systems and ensuring continuous quality improvement and robust health care approach.
Improving health service access, use, and quality, particularly for those most impacted by inequality and discrimination.
Humanitarian Response
Creating child-centered climate change adaptation initiatives to improve children and youths' knowledge and awareness of climate change.
Mobilizing disaster risk reduction (DRR) that puts children in the lead through awareness campaigns, school safety plans, and simulation drills.
Partnering with local committees and community volunteers to build their capacities as responders.
Sponsorship
Achieving higher literacy comprehension through a community-based approach both within and outside classrooms.
Digitizing referral systems for common illnesses in children to accelerate diagnosis and treatment plans.
Maintaining a life cycle approach that provides the basic needs and services for health, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Rohingya Response
Creating centers that address learning gaps and reintegrate children into education schemes.
Ensuring round-the-clock maternal, nutritional, mental health, and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and other essential health services.
Implementing case management services to protect at-risk and unaccompanied children who have potentially experienced abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Our Country Strategic Plan 2025 - 2027
I. Equitable health & nutrition
II. Protection from violence and exploitation
III. Resilient, market-based livelihoods
IV. Stong child, youth, and local actors
V. Safe, inclusive, and climate smart education
News & Stories
19 Dec 2024
2024 IN REVEW: From drones to maternity boats, five ways to help tackle the impact of climate crises on children
Cyclone-proof food, climate resilient schools and aid delivering drones are just some of the ways Save the Children has been tackling the impacts of the climate crisis on children in 2024.
22 Aug 2024
“We are too scared to go anywhere”: Rohingya children’s fears as violence spirals in Bangladesh refugee camps
The violence—and the fear of violence and abductions—has led many Rohingya families to stay in their shelters and prevent their children from going outside.
13 Aug 2024
Children need to return to classes after weeks of unrest and uncertainty – Save the Children
Children need to return to classes after weeks of unrest and uncertainty – Save the Children