Beacon of Light

Mallika Sanaullah Ansary Junior School

In January 2005 the Beacon of Light established the Mallika Sanaullah Ansary Junior School. During the dry seasons, it operates as a regular school for children. In times of flood and other natural disaster, it doubles as a shelter for local people.

During the first year of operation, 103 children (62 girls and 41 boys) received free education, books and uniforms. In 2006, an additional 100 (63 girls and 37 boys) children enrolled at the school. An extension to the school was built to accommodate the increase in student numbers. To continue their studies, these children need supporting the form of more teachers, books, uniform, food and healthcare.

The Beacon of Light hopes to provide a computer laboratory, library, adult education centre and vocational training centre in the near future.
At present 204 students (boys and girls) are enrolled in three different classes for the session 2007. They belong to families, well below the poverty level. It would have been impossible for them to provide an education for their children. Most of these students have never visited any form of health care facility.

The Students receive books and uniforms free of costs. At present, the school offers basic educational support for free. They are also receiving free primary health and dental check up and essential medication.

To continue their studies, they need support. We need to provide them with free uniform, books, pencils and other educational materials. More over as the number of students has increased, we currently do not have enough space or resources to build new classrooms for these students.


As the school is in low lying land, prone to floods, we need to raise the level of land approximately by 6 feet, to build the classrooms to avoid yearly flooding. During the last monsoon season, we had to buy a boat for transportation for the students.

For the children in Bangladesh, Education is a very important tool to fight a life doomed for poverty. By providing an education, we are paving a way for them to a brighter future.

 Did you know?

Euro 15 could buy everything a child needs for school- exercise books and pens, text books, and a school uniform for a year.

Euro 15 could help to get each students primary medical, dental and eyecare (plus essential medicine) for a year.

Euro 50 could help pay a school teacher’s salary for a month.