EIC, a unique initiative by BEP, is aimed at educating the deprived children of the indigenous sect in Bangladesh. The programme is carried-out in 4 cluster areas: Chittagong Hill Tracts, Sylhet, North Bengal and Mymensingh. From a broader perspective, this programme helps to bridge the gap that exists between the indigenous and the locals. Keeping this in mind a two-day workshop was organized by EIC with teachers, cultural activists, researchers, writers and civil society of these indigenous groups in Rangamati, Mymensingh and Kulauara respectively. Apart from exchanging views, their suggesti on was also sought in developing the syllabus for the Social Study books for these children. Since the government text books do not contain enough information about their heritage, BRAC is planning to develop this book suitable for these children so that they can learn about their tradition, values, culture and history. The current text-books were also reviewed and discussions took place on their content and the possibility of revisions.

The workshop, organized by the local Area Office under the supervision of the Regional Manager, Supervisor, Sector Specialist and Programme Organizer, followed the same outline in all the areas drafted by the Head Office staffs. From the Head Office, the workshop was attended by Tapan Kumar Acharya, Senior Regional Manager, BEP, Marufa Mazhar, Unit Manager, EIC, and Nelson Shoren, Happy Dewan and Diploma Banoari, Material Developers, BEP.

The participants expressed their gratitude towards BRAC for taking the initiative to protect their language and culture. They requested more schools in the remote areas, arrangement of stipends for meritorious students, health centres and an increase in the duration of courses and a more relaxed recruitment criteria for indigenous people. Teachers were also requested to wear traditional indigenous dresses to the schools.

© 2005 BRAC Bangladesh
75 Mohakhali
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh