Breaking the cycle of poverty through education
Imagine a rice farmer whose annual crop is destroyed by a devastating flood. With no income, he struggles to feed and educate his children. When a man proposes marriage to his 13-year-old daughter, he agrees—believing it offers her a better future.
In reality, her opportunities become more limited. She leaves school, loses decision-making power, and faces serious health risks from early childbirth. Her future—and her ability to care for her own children—is compromised, continuing the cycle of poverty.
“At a community level, lack of education and knowledge prevents families from escaping poverty. They miss out on training and resources that could help them improve their livelihoods,” explains Gertrude Omoro, World Renew Program Manager. “Programs that focus on educating and empowering girls have shown to be the most effective in breaking this cycle.”
Expanding proven work with new support
For decades, World Renew has worked alongside communities in Bangladesh where rates of teenage pregnancy, school dropout, and child marriage remain high. We are grateful to announce that a new program—approved and primarily funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC)—will build on this long-standing work and extend its reach to more vulnerable youth.
The program, SAY SRHR (Supportive Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights), will provide information and support to young people and their families, particularly girls aged 10–24 in selected communities.
“By supporting efforts against child marriage, we can ensure that girls stay in school, gain valuable skills, and contribute to their communities,” says Omoro, who will manage the program. “This not only benefits the girls but also their families and the entire community, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for everyone involved.”
Global Affairs Canada is contributing $7,886,330 CAD over five years. This will be matched by $417,708 CAD from World Renew’s church and household supporters, bringing the total program funding to $8.3 million CAD.
Creating lasting change in communities
A core strength of World Renew’s work in Bangladesh is the formation of People’s Institutions—local groups that include women and help shift restrictive gender norms. Through these groups, women gain skills, build confidence, and pursue opportunities beyond the home, including participation in Village Savings and Loan Associations and the launch of small businesses.
With SAY SRHR funding, World Renew will scale up efforts to reach young people at critical moments in their lives. The program will help girls stay in school, understand their rights, and access information about reproductive health and family planning. Families will learn how to prevent child marriage and support healthy development in children’s earliest years. Women will be equipped to advocate for change in cultural practices that limit their potential.
The program is expected to directly benefit approximately 210,937 participants in the Dinajpur and Netrokona districts of Bangladesh. Through shared knowledge and community influence, an additional 450,000 people are expected to experience positive impact.
“World Renew is proud to work in partnership with the Government of Canada as we honour our shared commitment to assisting the world’s most vulnerable,” says Mike White, Interim Executive Director of World Renew Canada. “Thanks also to our donors from churches and communities around the world who help make our mission of living justice, loving mercy, and serving Christ possible.”
