397 children in remote Khagrachhari receive learning materials

As part of an initiative to support education in disadvantaged communities, ESSD distributed chalk and slates to 397 children at seven schools and learning centres in remote parts of Khagrachhari.

Elevating Society for Skill Development (ESSD) distributed the materials from 26 to 28 July, with support from the corporate social responsibility fund of DBL Ceramics Limited, according to a press release.

The distribution covered hard-to-reach areas of Khagrachhari Sadar, Matiranga and Panchhari upazilas.

Shadman Bin Samad, director of management, programmes and finance at ESSD, and Farhan, programme manager, participated in the distribution activities at the organisers' invitation.

ESSD said geographical barriers, poor road connectivity and limited infrastructure made it difficult for many children in the hill districts to obtain essential learning materials.

The recipients included 83 students from Uttar Ganjpara Non-Government Primary School, 73 from Rabidhan Para Non-Government Primary School, 92 from Daldali Asha Haphnong Non-Government Primary School and 99 from Adarshagram Anwara Begum Talimul Quran Madrasa.

Students from East Domdompara Centre, Domdompara Centre and Santalpara Centre in Panchhari also received materials.

The ESSD team travelled along narrow, unpaved hill roads and used local jeeps and motorcycles to reach some of the institutions. Rabidhan Para Non-Government Primary School is nearly 10 kilometres from the nearest marketplace, the organisation said.

ESSD also cited water scarcity as a major challenge for local communities, saying some families had to travel between seven and 10 kilometres to collect drinking water.

It added that transportation becomes more difficult during the monsoon, when heavy rain damages hill roads.

ESSD said it planned to continue its education and community-development initiatives in remote hill areas to expand learning opportunities for disadvantaged children.