Digital School Program
In 2007, with only one carpet, one whiteboard and 17 children, JAAGO Foundation commenced its journey. In the beginning, the purpose was to teach children English and increase their chances of finding a job. However, as time passed, the students became more and more eager, and soon, they asked that one question, which led to the establishment of JAAGO Foundation School. “When would we get promoted, sir?” asked the young learners. It was only then that we realised these children wanted to grow and go to school. Hence JAAGO Foundation School was established. But we didn’t want this initiative to be limited to the capital city only. With the aim of making quality education accessible in the rural and remote areas of Bangladesh, JAAGO Gazipur School was formed. But we were faced with a new challenge. Compared to Dhaka, the availability of qualified teachers was scarce in that area.
We knew something had to be done. So, in 2011, JAAGO Foundation introduced its Digital School Program. Through the use of video conferencing software and telecommunications networks, Digital School linked qualified teachers with children from rural and hard-to-reach areas to provide them with education as per the NCTB English version curriculum. The classrooms are equipped with a multimedia setup, including a wide monitor, projector, speaker, microphone, and high-speed internet connection. Our on-site trained facilitators support young learners in completing their classwork, homework, and other activities.
To date, JAAGO has established Digital Schools in Rajshahi, Chattogram, Gaibandha, Bandarban, Madaripur, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Habiganj, Teknaf, and Dhaka districts. Currently, we are educating over 4500 students through highly skilled and qualified teachers. These students come from marginalised backgrounds and don’t have any access to formal education. Besides schooling, JAAGO also provides all kinds of educational materials, nutrition, and hygiene products and arranges co-curricular activities to facilitate the overall development of the students.
During the COVID outbreak, when all educational institutions were closed, e-learning became the predominant means of education. However, it wasn’t a viable option for underprivileged students as they did not have access to smartphones or laptops. To save these children from the risk of dropping out, in June 2020, JAAGO initiated its Tel-Ed program. The idea was to utilise mobile phones (voice call service & short messaging service) to conduct classes. By leveraging basic mobile technology, we ensured that our students remained connected to education, demonstrating our adaptability and commitment to their futures.
The cornerstone of all these achievements is JAAGO’s ‘Sponsor A Child’ program, an initiative that truly embodies the essence of community and shared responsibility. Through the Sponsor A Child program, kind individuals have been supporting the educational journey of our students and have been playing a direct role in changing their lives. This sponsorship is more than just financial aid; it fosters a beautiful bond as the child sponsors receive regular updates regarding their sponsored child’s academic growth and overall well-being.
JAAGO’s story is a testament to the power of collective will and the impact of innovative education. From a single classroom to a nationwide network of Digital Schools, we’ve come a long way. The journey continues, with each sponsored child adding a chapter of hope and progress and as we celebrate this remarkable feat, we invite more compassionate individuals to become part of our story through the ‘Sponsor A Child’ program.
Together, we can continue to illuminate the path to education for countless children, turning aspirations into achievements. Join us in this noble cause, and let’s shape a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Click to learn more about the Sponsor A Child program.