According to the International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), children in rural Bangladesh often fall behind because learning is viewed as the sole responsibility of the school, leaving families disengaged from the educational process. We developed this innovation to shift that mindset. By empowering parents and communities to share responsibility, we address the challenge of low engagement and build a stronger, more supportive learning environment for every child.
In practice, our innovation empowers communities through the Community Life Competence Process (CLCP) and the SALT participatory approach. In Byaspur, communities hold reflective conversations to identify local strengths, set goals, and plan actions, improving engagement and the learning ecosystem. At Pahariapara, a climate-contextual curriculum was co-created with the community, incorporating local knowledge and hands-on learning. Students use SALT–CLCP rubrics for self-assessment, fostering sustainable learning habits. The Pahariapara community built a school using mud, bamboo, and wood, cutting 2,000 tons of carbon emissions, reducing costs by 70%, and naturally cooling classrooms. Evidence shows higher attendance, improved behavior, and better learning outcomes. Using low-tech, participatory methods and locally adapted solutions, the approach is scalable, sustainable, and fully community-owned, without reliance on proprietary technology or external curriculum.
We first started in Byaspur, Dhaka, where grandparents lead storytelling sessions to strengthen intergenerational bonds, reduce screen time, and improve children’s mental health and education. Mothers initiated after-school learning, teaching traditional games for physical health and practicing farming to support nutrition. Through knowledge transfer, these practices were replicated in Pahariapara, Mymensingh, where the community built a school using natural materials, reducing 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions and 70% of costs, and co-created a climate-focused curriculum with hands-on learning. In 2–3 years, we aim to scale to more villages and expand community-led learning networks globally.
Our solution drives systemic change by shifting power to communities, enabling them to design their own approaches, making the process flexible and contextually relevant.
To try this solution, start by holding SALT household conversations to identify local strengths and challenges. Facilitate community dream-building and action planning, introduce self-assessment and weekly learning circles, and gradually transfer leadership to local champions. Contact Constellation or Grow Your Reader Foundation (GYRF) for guidance, training, and support.
