A voluntary organization called Info Foundation (IF) is providing adult education, ranging from teaching senior citizens the usage of mobile phones to hygiene and literacy.
If members teach people to read and write, near, Sankarpur area in Jashore. Adult education continues six days a week at Sankarpur Golam Patel government primary school. Most students work in various industries and some at homes.
The subjects taught are: Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, Cleanliness, the usage of mobile phones and to use emergency numbers like 999, 109 and 333.
There are three teachers who are also students and work here for free. They are guided by the vice-chairman of the body, Habibur Rahman Khan.
Student Hamida Begum says: “I studied when I was young and forgot many things.”
Hamida, who is now a clothes trader, is learning basic accounting at the school.
A teacher, Sonia, a student of third-year Honours of Jashore Women’s College, says: “I have been working here for four years; students here are devoted to their education.”
Joint IF President Habibur Rahman Khan, says: “There is no age bar for education. In addition to lessons on hygiene, basic health education and nutrition, general knowledge is also taught.”
The elderly are learning how to deposit and withdraw money from banks. Students are given prizes for attendance. Most gifts are items for everyday use.
Chairman of Jashore Info Foundation, Iqbal Hossain Siddiqui Mishu adds: “We need a permanent structure to sustain this 11-year-old programme. If the government gave us some support we could develop a permanent structure.”
More than 2,000 people have studied at this centre since 2008. At present, there are 130 students.
Ward Councillor Golam Mostafa adds: “This is a laudable initiative. Teachers arrange for the money and run the school.”