Small Steps, Big Futures: The Story of Learning Roots in Rajshahi

In the small village of Shitlai in Rajshahi, Khadiza walks her six-year-old son, Tahmid, to school with pride. A few years ago, this scene would have seemed impossible. Like many children in Paba, Tahmid had little hope of accessing early education. Today, he stands first in his class at Shitlai Government Primary School—evidence of a quiet revolution sparked by the Learning Roots program. 

A Community’s Struggle and the Seed of Change 

In rural Rajshahi, early childhood education was once a luxury few could imagine. Poverty and cultural beliefs left children aged three to five without foundational learning, leading to poor school readiness. In 2014, only 20.85% of children in areas like Paba, Tanore, and Goadagari were enrolled in early education programs. 

World Vision Bangladesh introduced the Learning Roots program to address this gap. Beyond creating classrooms, it built safe, play-based spaces where children could grow holistically, and families became partners in their learning journey. Community involvement was central—parents and Village Development Committees (VDCs) helped construct play areas, fences, and learning corners, fostering a sense of ownership. 

Transforming Lives, One Child at a Time 

Tahmid’s story mirrors that of 2,400 children across 105 centre's in the region. The program’s impact is clear: children’s ability to identify alphabets rose from 61.1% in 2014 to 85% in 2024. Parents, like Khadiza, now play an active role as co-facilitators, learning to support their children’s development through workshops and bi-rotation sessions. “My son wouldn’t be where he is today without this centre. The teachers, the lessons—it has given him a brighter future,” she says with pride. 

Community ownership has been the backbone of this success, and it only deepened as the program rolled out. When the program expanded in Tanore to 17 additional centres, local contributions funded the effort entirely. This isn’t just a project—it’s a movement led by the people it serves. 

Holistic Support and Sustainability 

Learning Roots integrated health, nutrition, and education for a well-rounded approach. Families contributed fresh produce, and monthly awareness sessions emphasised balanced diets. Faith leaders, youth forums, and community clubs rallied additional support, from maintaining facilities to building new play areas. 

As the program phased out in Paba and Goadagari in 2024, sustainability became key. Local governments and VDCs signed agreements to keep the centres running. Today, every centre remains operational, funded by small parental contributions pooled together to cover expenses. 

A Call to Action: Scaling the Dream 

Learning Roots is more than an education program—it’s a blueprint for sustainable development. It shows the power of empowering communities, fostering leadership, and integrating sectors for lasting impact. With enrolment almost doubling and attendance rates at 96.7%, the results speak for themselves. But this journey is far from over. By scaling such initiatives, we can ensure no child is left behind. Let’s invest in training, resources, and policies to make community-led early childhood education a reality across Bangladesh. 

Building Futures Together 

The journey of Learning Roots is not just about classrooms—it’s about a belief in the potential of every child, every family, and every community. It’s about the idea that small steps, taken together, can lead to big futures. Tahmid, and thousands like him, are proof that when a community comes together with a shared vision, transformation happens. Let’s continue to plant these seeds of hope, nurturing them into thriving futures for all. 

Written By 

Topon Phillip Rodrigues 

Sr. Technical Programme Manager - Education & Child Protection

World Vision Bangladesh  

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