Advocating for Community-Led Education

[Sadia Jafrin]

Grow Your Reader Foundation (GYRF) is proud to be a grantee of the Dhaka American Women’s Club (DAWC). At the end of last year, Manica, Chairperson of the FAWCO Foundation (of which DAWC is a network member), visited Bangladesh. She met with us and we shared about our ARC initiative, including the grandparents’ storytelling sessions, the community-led library in Byaspur, and Pahariapara Agamir School in Mymensingh.

On 9^th March 2026, DAWC invited us to share our community-led initiatives apecially about the school at one of their events. We presented the SALT approach and our work at Pahariapara Agamir School. Juliette Murekeyisoni, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Dhaka, attended as the keynote speaker. She expressed interest in visiting the school, signed up for the visit, and praised it as a model of community ownership and resilience while inquiring about our sustainability plan.

One professor, Mrs. Shahbaji from BRAC University, along with doctors, artists, lawyers, and other professionals, have also signed up to visit. Professor Shahbaji highlighted the value of the community-led approach, reflecting: “Appreciation is helpful to give motivation. Sometimes we don’t realize our strengths until someone points them out, which inspires us to use them fully.”

We are planning a community immersion visit on 10th April for DAWC members. This experience will offer more than just a day at the school, it will be a meaningful exchange where visitors can learn from the community, and the community feels valued for their efforts in building and sustaining the mud school. Registration contributions will be thoughtfully used to support the school’s activities, learning resources, and the continued education of its students. Participants can also stay connected by sponsoring students, advocating for our work, or helping expand our network of supporters becoming an active part of sustaining this community-led school.

[Santi rambari]

You are right that we are often unaware of the power within us. Again, fear and shame work. However, the only approach to how the community is overcoming fear and moving forward is SALT. Pahari Para is a shining example of this.

[Shahrukh Atpade]

This blog is an inspiring example of the power of community and the impact of the SALT approach. It beautifully illustrates how positive change can happen through a community school.

[Parvez Hassan]

Inspiring to see how community-led efforts are creating real, lasting impact. Wishing GYRF continued success in empowering communities and nurturing a culture of learning and resilience.