STEM and IT Education in Madrasas and Orphanages
Madrasas are the least equipped but one of the major education providers for students from extremely poor families in Bangladesh. Various research data show that 85% of madrasas with orphanages are located outside of the cities and in rural areas. Madrasas and orphanages provide basic education to 14% of total student populations. Children in most orphanages memorize the holy Quran. Orphanages and Quomi madrasas are run by public donations. Most of them are fully residential with free foods and clothing for students. The management committee of orphanages is usually reluctant to change the curriculum because partly due to misconception about religion and partly due to financial uncertainty (if otherwise). However, not all children can successfully finish memorizing the holy Quran; there is also a high percentage of dropout. Neither government nor any other agencies have data about the dropout rate and their whereabouts.
The general expectation of the management committee is that the children in orphan house will go to madrasa after memorization for regular study in madrasa curriculum. In addition, they should be able to take care themselves by finding some jobs in Masjid or local madrasa or teaching Quran to children as private tutors. However, no one has the data about the success of these orphanage graduates and their lives after graduation.
Objectives
- Introduce basic computer literacy and STEM education in orphanages and madrasas.
- Prepare less fortunate students for future career through IT and vocational trainings.
- Promote and provide platform to show their talents and skills through extra-curricular activities.
- Integrate madrasa students in the society with dignity and respect.
- Develop mutual respect and trust among diverse communities by connecting various educational stake holders.
