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Sustaining Inclusive Learning Communities Through Partnerships and Open Education in Rural Bangladesh
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Abstract
Since 1978, the Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES) has worked to improve the social and economic conditions of disadvantaged women and girls in rural Bangladesh through community-based education, vocational training, and gender advocacy. This project supports the PCF11 theme "Sustaining Communities of Learning and Practice in Innovative Open Education" by integrating offline technology, inclusive pedagogy, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
CMES engages Local Support Groups (LSGs), Union Parishads, law enforcement, and civil society actors to promote gender equity and access to education. Community-level dialogue through Awareness Gender Sessions (AGSs) and courtyard meetings reduces resistance to girls' education and strengthens household support. In collaboration with microfinance institutions like BRAC and Grameen Bank, CMES supports women's entrepreneurship in tailoring and vermicompost farming.
To expand educational access in low-connectivity areas, CMES is introducing Moodle and Aptus Pi offline learning systems. These tools will benefit approximately 5,000 girls by delivering structured, self-paced education without internet. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modules include life skills, gender rights, financial literacy, and leadership training.
Over the past Six years, gender and human rights awareness programs have reached 31,000 women and Girls 321,407 Parents & community members. The initiative also strengthens CMES's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offerings. Upcoming modules will include industrial sewing, fashion design, dairy and goat farming, and veterinary skills. Training in fabric dyeing and design will support women entering the local textile market.
Many out-of-school children have re-entered education, and approximately 5,000 women have acquired essential financial management skills. Through targeted training, technology integration, and long-term community partnerships, CMES continues to build inclusive, gender-responsive learning ecosystems that support both educational inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.
PCF11 Plus: Beyond the Forum
Sub-Theme: Sustaining communities of learning and practice in innovative open education
Paper ID: 3511
Subject
Country
Bangladesh
Region
Asia
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Date
2025-09
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Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)