The inauguration of Fulkoli Kindergarten School marks a transformative milestone in community empowerment on 1st December, 2024, in Narayanganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh, offering underprivileged children access to quality education.

Located at the heart of the neighborhood, the school operates in 02 shifts and currently serves approximately 50 children, including 02 with physical disabilities, in an inclusive environment.

Tackling Financial Barriers

A standout feature of the school’s mission is its commitment to eliminating financial obstacles. Students are provided with free books and uniforms, ensuring that financial hardship does not hinder their learning and development.

Visionary Leadership and Holistic Impact

The founder of Fulkoli Kindergarten School, Kamal Siddiki, is a street vendor leader, dedicated to community welfare and social justice. Beyond education, his holistic approach focuses on reducing migration, eradicating social inequality, and promoting equity. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Mr. Siddiki dedicatedly offered his rental property to serve as the school building instead of renting it out, thereby creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all. This generous act, combined with his fight against child labor, reflects his enduring dedication to using education as a powerful tool for societal transformation. Additionally, three street vendors—his wife and daughters— volunteer as teachers at the school, further contributing to its mission.

Beyond academics, the school supports local families through skill development initiatives. Weekly sewing and stitching classes empower home-based workers to improve their financial independence and expand their career opportunities.

Celebrating Victory Day with Community Well-Being

On December 16, 2024, the Rasulpur Housing Project in Narayanganj hosted a unique Victory Day celebration, with Mr. Kamal Siddiki emphasizing the importance of community welfare throughout the event. Key highlights included:

• Health Check-ups: A free medical camp provided essential health services to 170 female guardians.
• Competitions: Children participated in art and sports activities, with 25 winners receiving prizes such as buckets, hot water kettles, and rechargeable lights.
• Winter Clothes Distribution: 50 blankets were distributed to keep children warm during the winter months.

Inspiring Leadership and Unity

The event was enriched by motivational speeches. Saki Rezwana, Chairperson of the OSHE Foundation, emphasized the importance of worker unity, while Farida Khanam, National Coordinator for Labor in the Informal Economy, highlighted the challenges faced by informal sector workers and the need for targeted solutions. A local leader also shed light on grassroots efforts to improve worker rights and conditions.

Kamal Siddiki’s determined efforts as an organizer were instrumental in fostering a sense of togetherness and shared purpose, contributing significantly to the event’s success.

A Beacon of Hope and Change

The establishment of Fulkoli Kindergarten School and the Victory Day celebration represent significant strides in social justice, educational access, and economic empowerment for street vendors and their families. These initiatives highlight the transformative power of collaborative efforts and inspiring leadership. Mr. Siddiki’s dedication, including his decision to repurpose his rental property for the school, exemplifies how personal sacrifice can drive lasting, meaningful change. He envisions creating an educated society and aims to develop this kindergarten school into a high school. Additionally, he plans to establish a market and workplace for home-based workers in the future. His mission emphasizes improving the lives of street vendor workers.

A Model for Grassroots Initiatives

Fulkoli Kindergarten School stands as a testament to the potential of community-based projects to create sustainable growth and holistic empowerment. By integrating education, skill development, and community engagement, the program lays a strong foundation for a brighter and more equitable future.

This initiative serves as a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can lead to enduring, positive social change, fostering social harmony and shared prosperity through education, economic opportunity, and healthcare.

In conclusion, we should acknowledge and appreciate Labour at Informal Economy’s leader Mr. Kamal Siddiki’s dedicated efforts to uplift and empower marginalized and disadvantaged communities, enabling them to transition into the ranks of more advanced and empowered groups. His commitment to addressing the challenges faced by these communities and fostering opportunities for their development is truly commendable.