The catalyst

For many young people across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, access to education is limited. And even more so for young girls and women. Sazeda Khatun grew up in a small village in rural Bangladesh, where a girl’s education usually ends at 14 years old, when they typically marry and stay at home.

Sazeda’s dream was to continue her education so she could get a good job. With the support of her family, all she needed was the resources and confidence to pursue her dream, and that’s where the British Council came in.

The spark

For Sazeda, opportunity was sparked through the British Council’s EDGE programme, which supports girls to develop their English language and digital literacy skills. Working in partnership with governments, international NGOs and community organisations we provide vital skills to girls across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.

Attending her local EDGE project, Sazeda learned English and was given access to a smartphone and tablet to learn key digital skills. Alongside her studies, Sazeda was able to participate in social work with different NGOs. This took her across the country to new cities, exposing her to new experiences and different networks of people.

The success

After her own experience in EDGE, Sazeda became a peer group leader running her own community-based club for girls aged 13 to 19 in her village. She passed on her knowledge and training to younger girls, teaching them to be independent, make informed choices, speak English and use technology.  

Having gained her master’s degree, Sazeda continued to work with NGOs before joining a government deforestation project. She’ll soon move to the Ministry of Social Welfare, working to ensure the right to education for children of tea garden workers.   

Sazeda believes that if we empower girls and women with education, they are capable of extraordinary things. Over 18,000 girls have gained confidence, pursued careers and honed their skills thanks to EDGE, showing employers, community leaders and parents the benefits of education.  

Our community-based approach means that even the most vulnerable in society have the opportunity to reach their potential. Through our long-term commitment to people and places, we have extensive experience of managing large global development programmes. We work collaboratively to design innovative programmes which have a real and positive impact on people’s lives. 

We are the partner of choice for governments, NGOs, institutions and community-based organisations around the world.