CSR
CSR
We started our contributions with Dr. Anwar Ali Primary School in August 2012 which was established in 1981 at Dhakkhin Khan, Dhirasram, Gazipur Sadar, Gazipur. This Government funded co-ed school provides schooling from Kinder-garden to Class 5. The school is located on 1 acre of land and includes two one storied buildings with 5 classrooms each. Presently there are 254 students attending from grades (preschool to class 5) in two shifts. At this moment, the teaching staff comprises of 6 teachers. Including, a female para-teacher for the Kinder-garden section.
The qualities of existing teachers have been developed through government funded training for public school teachers. The quantity of teachers initially were three, making the school understaffed and insufficient in numbers. It has increased from currently six after Mark LTD, began providing support. In particular importance to us was the inclusion of a full time computer (ICT) teacher for the children. The quality and availability of ICT education for children was very limited. The number of computers and teaching staff specializing in ICT were non existent. We foresee a future where technological fluency is essential in Bangladesh for jobs, education, communication etc. Therefore, the necessary actions to provide computers (4) for the children along with a teacher to educate them in technology were implemented. As so, children that grow up in rural areas are still able to adapt smoothly to the forthcoming digital era in their future. Being in close proximity to the capital city, this school can be upgraded and quality education is provided thus developing a strong foundation for the students as well as the community.
In this circumstance, we contacted the School Management Committee (SMC) and upon their requests we have taken into consideration. Based on their recommended urgency, various initiatives. Consisting of, development of the landscape/playground and fencing the school property, renovating the school building along with all wirings and paint, build separate toilets for girls and boys, ensure supply of safe drinking water, refurbish and provide furniture, etc. Sports equipments were also provided as part of the children’s extracurricular activities.
The following breakdown illustrates the contributions made by us to Dr. Anwar Ali Primary School:
*Note: Includes salaries of Consultants, Teachers, Cleaners & Security
To keep the school premises clean and hygienic, two cleaners were hired. Due to being in a rural area, the school struggled to gather funds. Leading, to a lack of cleanliness and hygiene. Resulting in a negative environment for children to be educated. Therefore, cleaners were hired in order to maintain the schools standard of cleanliness. A night guard has been hired as well. Monthly remuneration of these individuals are borne by us, together with added salaries for the teachers including bonuses. The school also lacked borders, making it very risky for the children to play. Fences were added in order for the students to have a safe environment for recreational activities.
Extra/ increased salaries are being provided for teachers, a source of sustainable income for them to work fulltime instead of part time as it was initially. We have also provided, dresses/ shirts for the teachers as initial funds provided to them was unable to cover this necessity. Every 3 months, new stationaries and exercise books are provided to all students. As of 2022, students were also provided shoes. A sitting area developed for the parents that previously had to stand in the heat. Class room benches and tables were fixed by our contracted carpenter as well. Plaster issues within the building were addressed and covered. The electric line was fixed. We took it upon ourselves to address it as well as cover the electricity bill for the school. Due to the close proximity between Mark Wear and Dr. Anwar Ali Primary School. Our on-sight electrician can be there in a moments notice if an issue occurs. Toilets have increased from one to six. Including Two for staff, one for boys, two more for girls and finally one for guests. During the Covid-19, pandemic, hand sanitizer stations were added and are being maintained to this day. Clean drinking water facilities have been ensured to the school. The school is also painted annually.
Overall, the local community is quite content with all the initiatives and developments within the school, but we feel there is still more to be done. We continue to develop and add more facilities to the school in due time to fulfil the our commitment. Assistance that we Mark LTD. hope not only aids students but the community as well.
We believe it is our responsibility to develop and maintain our communities and come forward for its betterment, whether it is this school or any other. As we are based next door, we would be able to directly address any issues whenever an instance arises. This school is also an added benefit for our workers. Their children attend school while they are working, this type of convenience is a rarity in this industry.
Our goal is to set a high standard for this school in this locality and hope it stands as the benchmark for other schools to follow.
Other CSR projects
Assistance for Blind Children or (ABC) founded in 1978. Is a charity focused on aiding visually impaired children. ABC focuses on issues such as creating an inclusive society for these children, providing eye treatments as well as running hostels. Mark LTD. & ABC have been beneficiary associates since 2003. For us it is of upmost importance to support charities that actively strive towards making a positive impact for impaired societies.
- Capacity Building of the Teachers: To strengthen the basic foundation of the children we have to develop the teachers’ capacities, both in knowledge and delivery. To attain this, a retired school teacher with 25 years of experience has been requested for her assistance. She along with her husband, who is also retired (he had worked in several multinationals at various capacities) have agreed and are sharing their efforts in the development of the teachers. Three to four times a week they travel from Dhaka and come to the school to impart their knowledge amongst the teachers. Their teachers’ evaluation (Annex 1) is playing a vital role in setting a plan for the capacity building of the teachers. After finalizing this plan, we plan to roll it from January 2015.
- Computer Skills: Knowledge on computer usages is very essential to keep up with this day and age. Basic programs like MS Words/Excel/Powerpoint and social media are basics in the developed world and there are lots to learn. We have provided 5 computers to ADAAPS with the goal of delivering proper computer operating skills. Initially we plan to make them acquainted with basic operations and then move to MS Words. At the same time, various online educational materials would be shown to expand the general knowledge of the students.
- Develop English vocabulary and Communication: English is a universal language and is widely spoken throughout the world. Over the last couple of decades, Bangladesh has seen the popularity of English rise to such a level, that it has nearly become a necessity amongst the urban and semi urban population. We plan to develop English communication skills of the teachers and students through our various resources. Special after school classes would be held for the children while the in-class development would be on going. Our retired teacher (and her husband) would be available to extend assistances in every way they can.
- Upgrading to Class Six: By the beginning of the school year 2016, we hope to add Class Six. For this purpose, proper channels have to be approached and necessary paperwork need to be filled. With the blessings of the Honorable Minister, we hope to expedite this process. We have pledged to construct the 2nd floor but only after proper authorization have been provided by the relevant officials. The School Management Committee have assured of getting us the necessary approvals.
We truly believe we can put in a concentrated effort in developing the school. Already there are signs of improvement and if we nurtured it properly the entire community would benefit. We also believe it is our responsibility to develop and maintain our communities and come forward for its betterment, whether it is this school or any other. As we are based just next door, we would be able to directly counsel for its betterment whenever the need arises. This school is also an added benefit for our workers to send their children to school while they are working and this type of luxury is a rarity in this industry. Already there are 46 students enrolled and the next batch would start in January 2015.
Our goal is to set a high standard for this school in this locality and hope that it provides the benchmark for other schools to follow. All our efforts would not have been possible without the financial assistance of our esteemed buyers, sister concerns, and individuals who have extended their all out support. By doing so, we are jointly serving a good cause which is helping a small part of the disadvantaged population in Bangladesh. We hope that with the support of our esteemed buyers and other stakeholders we can continue our noble cause and provide opportunities for these children.