LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION IN BANGLADESH
For many years, Strauss has been supporting education projects, particularly in its production countries and especially in Bangladesh. In addition to funding the Chair for Sustainability and Textile Innovation at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Dhaka, Strauss is now supporting comprehensive educational provision at another location through the Don Bosco Strauss School.
“The motto ‘Journey of a Lifetime’ describes very well what has been achieved together with trusted partners in Bangladesh: a unique education initiative. Education is a lifelong journey. We want to support children and young people from the very beginning and help them lay the foundations for a successful professional future. Our support extends from early childhood education and university attendance to a professional career at our campus in Chattogram.”
Steffen Strauss
DON BOSCO STRAUSS SCHOOL
In cooperation with Don Bosco Mission, Strauss has completed the construction of a school in north-western Bangladesh. The school was officially opened in February 2024 in the presence of CEO Steffen Strauss, a delegation from Germany and Dr. Nelson Penedo, Managing Director of Don Bosco Mission in Bonn.The project aims to provide children and young people in Joypurhat and the surrounding villages with access to high-quality education through the Don Bosco Strauss School.
The school building currently accommodates around 500 girls and boys. Its classrooms house a kindergarten as well as primary and lower secondary education. The site also includes separate sanitation facilities, a library and a sick room. Once the planned expansion is complete, additional classrooms for upper secondary education will be added.
In future, the Don Bosco Strauss School will be able to support and educate more than 1,000 children and young people. As lessons in the higher grades are taught exclusively in English, children begin learning the language in kindergarten. Strong English skills and a sound school education can significantly improve future career prospects and promote equal opportunities.
HOLISTIC SUPORT
At the Don Bosco Strauss School, the focus extends beyond imparting knowledge to include personal and emotional development. Schools can be important places of support and security, particularly for children from socially disadvantaged families. The school’s programmes are open to children and young people from all regions, ethnic backgrounds and social groups.
Strauss is committed to holistic development. Our aim is to establish a long-term educational programme in Bangladesh that enables children and young people to pursue positive pathways in life.
During the first three years, from 2024 to 2026, income from school fees will not yet cover teacher salaries. The Strauss family has therefore decided to fund not only the construction of the school, but also the salaries of its teachers during this period.
“Education is an important contribution to combating poverty. At Don Bosco, we therefore want to provide children from low-income families with access to education. Thanks to the cooperation with Strauss, more than 1,000 boys and girls in Hatil will be able to attend school. This is an important step towards escaping poverty and leading a dignified life.”
Dr. Nelson Penedo
FURTHER EDUCATION PROJECTS IN PRODUCTION COUNTRIES
Strauss also invests in improving educational infrastructure in other production countries. In Laos, Strauss supported the construction of a secondary school and multi-purpose hall for more than 500 students together with the organisation Engel für Kinder.
In Zimbabwe, Strauss supports the Takunda Deaf Art School in expanding its inclusive educational programme for around 70 children and young people. Support includes new school buildings, a learning and self-sufficiency garden, a photovoltaic system and a solar-powered water pump.
