Project Prottasha (Hope): A Literacy & Inclusion Initiative
A Joint Venture by Delta Pathagar Forum (DLF) & Sarpukur Jubo Forum Pathagar, Lalmonirhat
This is a groundbreaking and deeply empathetic initiative. In the context of Bangladesh, providing a safe, non-judgmental space for the Hijra community to gain literacy and spiritual enrichment is a powerful step toward true social inclusion.
1. Introduction
In our quest to build an equitable society, the Delta Pathagar Forum (DLF) recognizes that the Hijra (Third Gender) community often remains the most marginalized segment of our population. Historically excluded from formal education and social spaces, they face immense barriers to basic literacy and dignified living.
Launched in Lalmonirhat, Project Prottasha is a pioneering initiative aimed at providing a holistic "Life-Education" model for third-gender women. Through this joint venture, DLF provides financial and strategic support, while the Sarpukur Jubo Forum Pathagar facilitates the ground-level training and community space.
2. Our Vision
To empower members of the Hijra community with the tools of literacy, faith, and social etiquette, enabling them to lead lives of dignity, self-reliance, and spiritual peace.
3. Key Pillars of the Program
The initiative currently supports a dedicated cohort of 5–7 learners, focusing on four primary domains:
Functional Literacy: Learning to read and write (Bengali & English) to manage daily life tasks and navigate modern society.
Life Skills & Social Etiquette: Training in "Common Good Practices" to improve social interaction, health, and hygiene.
Cultural Enrichment: Providing a creative outlet through music and song, allowing them to express their unique cultural heritage.
Spiritual Education: Offering opportunities for Quran recitation and spiritual counseling to cater to their inner well-being and sense of belonging within faith circles.
4. Policy Framework & Values
To ensure the success and sensitivity of this project, we adhere to the following policies:
Safe Space Policy: The library environment must remain a "Zero-Discrimination Zone." Every learner is treated with the utmost respect and honor.
Collaborative Management: While DLF provides the funding and curriculum framework, the Sarpukur Jubo Forum Pathagar holds the autonomy to adapt teaching methods to suit local needs.
Customized Syllabus: Unlike rigid school systems, we are developing a "Living Syllabus" that prioritizes practical knowledge over theoretical exams.
Incentivized Learning: We provide financial support to the learners to offset the opportunity cost of their time, ensuring they do not have to choose between survival and education.
5. Roadmap to Transformation
Phase 1 (Current): Pilot program in Lalmonirhat with 5–7 learners focusing on basic literacy.
Phase 2: Finalizing the specialized syllabus and expanding the cultural and spiritual sessions.
Phase 3: Scaling the model to other regional libraries within the DLF network based on the Lalmonirhat success story.
A Message from the Project Team:
“By teaching a letter to a marginalized sister, we are not just teaching a sound; we are giving them a voice. Project Prottasha is our humble attempt to tell the Hijra community: You belong here.”
How you can help:
We are currently seeking specialized mentors and donors to fund the expansion of our "Living Syllabus."
