Partner of the Week: BRAC, Bangladesh

Since its founding in 1972, BRAC has been a global leader in tackling poverty, illiteracy, disease, and social injustice. Operating in Bangladesh, BRAC’s mission is to empower people and communities through innovative and sustainable solutions that drive social transformation.

BRAC is dedicated to addressing critical social issues through a holistic, multi-sectoral approach. Some of its key focus areas include:

  • Education: Operating the world’s largest non-formal education system, BRAC provides millions of marginalised children with access to quality learning, from early childhood to secondary education and vocational training. Digital content and Learning Management Systems ensure inclusive education.
  • Poverty Alleviation: Through microfinance, ultra-poor graduation programmes, and economic development initiatives, BRAC supports communities in breaking the cycle of poverty by providing financial resources, skills training, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Health and Nutrition: BRAC promotes maternal and child health, disease prevention, and improved nutrition through community health workers who deliver essential healthcare services to underserved areas.
  • Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Programs such as Skills Development for Women and Gender Justice help reduce gender-based violence and create leadership opportunities for women.
  • Climate Change and Resilience: BRAC supports sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy adoption to help vulnerable communities build resilience against climate change.
  • Youth and Skills Development: Through vocational training, mentoring, and entrepreneurship programmes, BRAC equips young people with the tools they need for economic self-sufficiency.

By working across these sectors, BRAC creates sustainable opportunities that uplift millions of lives globally.

mOur Partnership

 

BRAC partnered with Aflatoun International to integrate Social and Financial Education (SFE) into its programmes, recognising the transformative power of financial literacy and life skills. Aflatoun’s child-centered approach and innovative curriculum perfectly align with BRAC’s mission to educate and empower individuals and communities.

In a country where economic hardship affects a significant portion of the population, financial literacy is crucial. SFE equips underprivileged students with the skills they need to:

  • Manage limited resources effectively
  • Develop entrepreneurial mindsets
  • Plan for a sustainable future
  • Make informed financial decisions

Beyond financial literacy, social education plays a key role in fostering teamwork, leadership, and community engagement. This ensures that children grow up with the confidence and critical thinking skills needed to overcome socio-economic barriers and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

A Generation of Empowered Changemakers

 

The impact of Aflatoun’s Social and Financial Education curriculum in Bangladesh has been remarkable. Students are applying their knowledge in practical and meaningful ways, demonstrating both financial independence and social responsibility.

Small Savings, Big Impact

Students have started saving money and using it to buy books, toys, and essential items. These small but impactful actions highlight the immediate relevance of financial literacy in their daily lives.

 

Fostering Entrepreneurship

Some students have taken financial education a step further by organising small-scale “melas” (fairs) where they sell homemade food and handcrafted items. These entrepreneurial activities provide them with hands-on business experience, instilling a sense of independence, teamwork, and responsibility.

 

Developing Cognitive and Life Skills

Beyond financial knowledge, BRAC has observed significant cognitive development in students. Engaging in savings and entrepreneurial activities teaches them how to plan, prioritise, and problem-solve—essential skills that contribute to their overall growth and future success.