Desher Kaj
Tutoring circle, Dhaka
Two evenings a week teaching the neighbourhood children, in a room or on a mosque veranda.
Area
Dhaka
People
4 people
Time
About 24 hours
Difficulty
Medium
About this task
In Dhaka’s slums and low-income areas many children go to school, but nobody at home can help with lessons. Two evenings a week teaching, for free, the neighbourhood children who cannot afford private tuition, in a room, a club or on a mosque veranda. For four weeks, with the parents’ consent and an attendance register.
Why it matters
In many families nobody can help a child with lessons, and a private tutor is out of reach. A child who falls behind leaves school in the end. Two hours of attention a week changes a great deal.
What changes after
At least eight sessions in four weeks; the children in the register; the parents want it to go on next month.
Who can join
Anyone with at least SSC; patient with children.
Step by step
- 1Done
Place and time60 min
A room with light, two fixed evenings, an hour and a half each.
- 2Done
List of children120 min
Names, class and a parent’s phone number for each child.
- 3Done
Four weeks of lessons960 min
Bangla, maths and English from their own textbooks; homework checked.
Checklist to get ready
- Whiteboard · ১টি
When it counts as done
- At least eight sessions in four weeks
Proof required: Photo, Signatures
⚠ Safety
Always at least two adults in the room, in an open place, with the parents knowing the time and place.
What it costs
| Whiteboard (2×3 ft) | 1 | ৳800–1,500 |
| Board markers | 6 | ৳40–70 |
| Duster | 1 | ৳50–100 |
| Exercise books | 25 | ৳30–50 |
| Pencils, pens, erasers | 2 boxes | ৳100–200 |
| Attendance register | 1 | ৳80–150 |
| Floor mats | 2 | ৳300–600 |
| Total (about) | ৳2,700–5,000 | |
Getting ready, step by step
10 days before
Find a place with light and air; get the person in charge to agree.
Fix which two days a week, and the hours.
7 days before
Visit homes and talk with parents; write name, class and a parent's phone.
Split classes and subjects among the tutors.
The day before
Leave the board, books and register at the place.
Remind the parents of the time.
First session
Split children into small groups by class.
Find out with easy questions where each child is stuck.
Take attendance, signature or thumbprint.
Over four weeks
Two sessions a week; check homework each time.
A short meeting with parents in the last week.
Who does what
- Coordinator (1): The place, contact with parents, the register. — ____________
- Tutors (2): Each takes a small group (5–8): Bangla, maths, English from their own textbooks. — ____________
- Reading and care (1): Listens to the youngest read, tells a story; always the second adult present; sees who each child goes home with. — ____________
The day, hour by hour
- 16:00Tutors arrive, lay mats, set up the board.
- 16:15Children arrive; attendance.
- 16:25Seat by class groups; check homework.
- 16:40First subject (maths or Bangla), 30 minutes.
- 17:105-minute break.
- 17:15Second subject (English or reading), 30 minutes.
- 17:45Set homework; children leave together or with a parent.
What can go wrong, and what to do
- Children stop coming → Call the parent; keep sessions short and enjoyable, add a story or game.
- A tutor cannot come → Name a stand-in in advance; merge groups rather than cancel.
- A worry about a child's safety → Always at least two adults, in an open place. If a child seems at risk, call 1098 (child helpline).
- Power cut → Keep a rechargeable light, or hold sessions in daylight.
Useful numbers
- 1098Child helpline
- 999National emergency: police, fire, ambulance (free)
Questions people ask
- Which classes?
- Usually class one to eight, in small groups by class.
- Can I join if I cannot stay the whole time?
- Yes. Say in your request which step or which hours you can do. The lead will give that step to you.