Celebrating 17 Years of Impact: JAAGO Turns 17

As JAAGO Foundation marks its 17th anniversary, we pause to reflect on a journey that has been both transformational and inspiring. Seventeen years ago, JAAGO embarked on a mission to break the cycle of poverty in Bangladesh through education and social mobilisation. Today, we celebrate not just the passage of time but the impact and progress we’ve made, touching the lives of thousands.

In 2007, in a small room in the Rayer Bazar slum of Dhaka, with only 17 students, one carpet and one whiteboard, our journey began. The vision was clear: to provide quality education to underprivileged children, empowering them to build a better future for themselves and their communities. From those humble beginnings, JAAGO has grown exponentially, reaching over 30,000 children nationwide. Our use of technology in education, particularly the Digital School Project, has been a game-changer, ensuring children’s access to learning in even the most rural and remote areas of Bangladesh.

Through the Volunteer for Bangladesh program, JAAGO’s youth wing, we have been mobilising over 50,000 young volunteers each year across 64 districts, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the country. Through various initiatives, these volunteers have tackled issues ranging from environmental conservation to health awareness, dismantling gender stereotypes embodying the spirit of community service and civic responsibility.

Our journey has not been without challenges. From resource constraints to navigating the complexities of working in underserved communities, each hurdle has only strengthened our resolve. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, tested our resilience, forcing us to innovate and adapt. During COVID-19, when the entire world became dependent on distance-learning, our students were at the verge of dropping out as they did not have access to laptops or smartphones to attend online classes. To help these children and protect their dreams, we started our Tel-Ed program. Utilising simple call and sms services, our teachers gave education to the students and made sure their risk of falling out of school is mitigated. Our community relief efforts provided essential support to families hardest hit by the pandemic, showcasing the strength and power of community action.

In the flood-prone haor areas of Kishoreganj, where the rate of school going girls is significantly low, we are providing STEM education to 1,584 girls. In the hill tract areas of Bandarban, we are breaking barriers to education for 11,124 indigenous children. To aid the journey to higher education for meritorious female students from public universities, we are providing four year long scholarships to 276 bright female students. These efforts are driven by our aspirations to achieve specific goals in two of our focus areas: education and women empowerment.

Aligning with our more focus areas such as: climate change, youth and governance. We have initiated multiple empowering projects. Through these projects we are providing soft skill training to thousands of young individuals, we are helping them navigate the critical world of internet by raising awareness on online safety, we are familiarising them with their civic rights and enhancing their knowledge on civic responsibility. All these efforts, achievements and milestones are aimed towards shaping a better nation and building a better future generation. 

But these accomplishments are not our alone, but of all our child sponsors, private sector partners, donors, teachers, volunteers, colleagues and well-wishers who have walked this journey with us. Their support has been the backbone of our success. We would also like to thank the communities who believed in us and gave us the opportunity to serve them.

As we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to our mission. The challenges of poverty, inequality, and lack of access to quality education remain daunting, but we are motivated by the progress we’ve made and the lives we’ve transformed. Our dream of a Bangladesh where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

Celebrating 17 years of JAAGO is not just about looking back but also looking forward. It’s about recommitting to our goals, innovating our approaches, and expanding our impact. Together, we have made incredible strides, but the journey is far from over. As we embark on the next chapter, we are filled with hope and determination to continue making a difference, one child, one community at a time.

Here’s to 17 years of impact, 17 years of hope, and many more to come.