5 ways Dignity for Children Foundation is Contributing to SDG 4: Quality Education

10 May 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to provide a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

One of the primary goals of the SDGs is t to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, which is Goal 4. Access to education is a fundamental right that plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty, particularly for children. According to UNICEF, over 600 million children and adolescents worldwide are unable to achieve basic proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. This staggering number highlights a critical issue that demands urgent attention.

Since 1998, Dignity for Children Foundation has been working with children from urban poor communities, refugees, and stateless children, providing them with quality education to break the cycle of poverty, including:

Accessible education for all

Dignity welcomes all children, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. For many children living in poverty, getting to school can be a challenge. That's why we provide bus transportation for our students, ensuring that they can get to school safely and reliably.

In addition to transportation, we also provide nutritious meals for our students, recognizing that hunger can be a barrier to learning. Our meals are carefully planned to provide students with the energy and nutrition they need to succeed in school and in life.

By addressing these basic needs, Dignity is helping to remove barriers to education and promote sustainable economic growth and development.

Montessori-based curriculum for preschool
and primary education

Dignity provides quality education for children of all ages, from preschool to secondary school. For preschool and primary students, they offer a Montessori-based curriculum that is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This child-centered approach to learning allows children to learn at their own pace and according to their own interests, which can help to build a lifelong love of learning.

Montessori-based curriculum for preschool
and primary education

For secondary students, Dignity offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is a globally recognized qualification that prepares students for further education or employment. The IGCSE curriculum includes a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, languages, and humanities, and is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual students.

Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty because it can help to improve economic opportunities, increase social mobility, and promote a range of positive outcomes, such as better health, improved gender equality, and reduced crime rates. By providing quality education, Dignity is giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to build a brighter future and break free from the constraints of poverty.

Offering vocational training and job opportunities

Dignity's vocational training programs go beyond just classroom instruction, providing students with practical, real-life training in the form of "shop schools." These shop schools, located in the Transformative Enterprises area of Sentul shoplots, offer training in fields such as F&B, hair salon, baking, and sewing, among others.

The Transformative Enterprises are more than just training facilities; they are also real businesses that provide job opportunities for graduates. By learning in these real-life settings, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for the workforce and helps them to break free from the cycle of poverty. The enterprises also create jobs for members of the local community, contributing to the economic development of the area.

Fostering holistic development through sports

At Dignity, we understand the importance of a holistic education that goes beyond academics. That's why we have implemented a sports program that offers weekly sports activities, peace camps, and football leagues. Our sports program aims not only to nurture physical fitness but also to instill essential values of discipline and teamwork in our students. Through engaging in sports, students learn the importance of commitment, perseverance, and respect for themselves and others. Moreover, our sports program provides a safe and inclusive space where students can play, have fun, and simply be kids.

By emphasizing the values of sportsmanship and fair play, our program not only contributes to the overall well-being of our students but also equips them with life skills that extend beyond the sports field.

Together, we can make a real difference and create a more equitable and sustainable world for all. We invite you to Join the Movement today! By partnering with us, you can provide access to quality education, healthcare, and other basic necessities that many underprivileged and marginalized children and youth desperately need.

Share the story!

Stay Connected

Join our newsletter to stay informed about the latest news and campaigns at Dignity for Children Foundation.

Receive 1 or 2 emails a month, with the flexibility to update your preferences or unsubscribe anytime.

Together, let's empower underprivileged children and break the cycle of poverty. Sign up now!

I agree to receive your newsletters and updates

About Dignity

Our work began in 1998 in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur with only 20 students then. Dignity is now a learning centre with more than 2,300 children ranging from 2-19 years old.

+(60) 03-4044 1397

dignity@dignityforchildren.org