poorest of the Poor Education Foundation

Middle School Construction
The construction of 2,800 square feet on the second floor of the middle school building is complete.  Construction of the third wing of the ground floor was started but had to be discontinued due to heavy Monsoon rains. Even though a large portion of Bangladesh is flooded at this time, our schools are safe as they were constructed at a higher elevation. This new third wing will house the library, science laboratory, computer room, and the teachers' room. Boundary wall construction has progressed further and is expected to be complete by December 2004.

Bangladesh Independence Day Parade:
The POPEF schools participated in the Bangladesh Independence Day Parade in Jamalpur District.  This district includes 391 high schools (through tenth grade).  Our students won the first place trophy for their public performance!

National Examinations:
All of our 10^th grade students took the national examinations in March 2004 and fared extremely well. One student received "A+", 8 students received "A"s, another 8 students received "A-"s, and 4 students received "B"s. Unfortunately 5 students did not pass. The 5 students who did not pass will be continuing with the current 10^th grade and retake the national examinations next year. While the passing rate at the national examinations is 31%, the passing rate of our school is 81%.  All of the passing students will be admitted to Jamalpur College in 11^th grade. Jamalpur College is about 12 miles from Hashil Schools.

New Teachers:
We hired two teachers in June. We also hired three additional staff this year to safeguard the school building, equipment, and the computers as well as perform maintenance and other custodial duties.

District-wide standardized examination:
The POPEF elementary school sent 50% of our fifth grade students to take the district-wide standardized examination in December 2003.  The Bangladesh government encourages only the top 20% of the fifth graders to take the examination.  Our results have been phenomenal. Thirteen students received "A"s, 1 student received "B" but unfortunately 1 student did not pass.    

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You are an important part of the progress and an important part of this opportunity for so many students.  Along with the students, we say, “Thank you!”