Developing a world class education in developing countries
At the Robert Owen Group we recognise that education is key to increasing the well-being and happiness of individuals as well as providing the basis for the economic development of communities.
The Robert Owen Fair Literacy Campaign will offer young people in developing countries (initially Bangladesh) the skills and knowledge to cope in the modern world through an imaginative programme of education in which they will participate as partners in their own development.
The Campaign aims to offer a modern 21st Century education emphasising the development of skills relevant to children who will have to play a role within an international context while remaining secure in their own culture.
The Campaign will develop programmes of teacher education and establish a network of Robert Owen Schools in developing countries, adopting and embodying the co-operative values and principles.
Why Bangladesh?
The Fair Literacy Campaign will initially start in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the developing world, with 83% of the population living on less than £1.50 a day.
Women, children and the poor are the most disadvantaged groups in Bangladesh society. For example, 71% of women are illiterate. The Fair Literacy Campaign embraces the co-operative values of equity and equality in support of educational development to empower the disadvantaged.
Next steps
In October 2008, a team from the Robert Owen Group visited Bangladesh to carry out some initial research, looking at areas of need and current activity.
Using our skills and expertise in teacher education and training, we are now looking to establish a teacher training programme to train and work with local teachers in Bangladesh, to share knowledge and experience.
We are then looking to develop a Robert Owen school in Bangladesh that will adopt the co-operative values and principles and provide children and their community with a modern education.
Want to get involved?
You can get involved by raising funds for the Campaign through your school or community. If you are a school or college, why not adopt the Campaign as your chosen charitable campaign? In the future, we will be looking to establish links with our member schools in the UK and the new Robert Owen school in Bangladesh.
We're also looking for schools and individuals to get involved with running the Campaign. If you want to volunteer and are interested in getting involved further please contact us via email at admin@robertowen.org