Non-Formal Education for Women in Bangladesh. Supplementary Paper No. 5. Program of Studies in Non-Formal Education.

Using certain criteria, 4 out of 35 voluntary and nongovernmental organizations in Bangladesh, which were engaged in nonformal education among economically disadvantaged women, were selected and surveyed to identify and document their nonformal activities. Data were generated through field visits, personal interviews, observations, and examination of institutional records and reports. Analysis of data revealed that although the organizations are not yet fully stabilized, interest and attitudes among the organizers as well as the participants are positive. Participants felt that they were being benefited through the programs while the organizations found that their objectives were being achieved. Both parties realized that there are alternatives to formal schooling to help solve problems of distressed women. This report provides a complete description of the study in four chapters: Chapter 1 provides an overview of the women's organizational movement in Bangladesh, with reference to nonformal education programs; chapter 2 contains detailed case studies of 35 organizations that are involved in nonformal education; chapter 3 enumerates the general features of the case studies; and chapter 4 is a discussion on the trends of institutionalization of the programs. A bibliography and a list of exchange publications are appended. (WL)