Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) conducted a series of orientation workshops to introduce the government approved GO-NGO collaboration guideline and implementation plan for PPE to the government and non-government stakeholders in Bangladesh. BEN planned the series of orientations in different regions of Bangladesh. Through its regional secretariats, BEN organized seven orientations in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna, Chittagong, Barisal and Sylhet Regions, reaching out to the BEN member organizations working for PPE in Bangladesh.

BEN Regional Secretariats – Dhaka Ahsania Mission in Dhaka, ALOW in Rajshahi, RDRS Bangladesh in Rangpur, Jagorony Chakra Foundation in Khulna, Songshoptaque in Chittagong, SpeedTrust in Barisal and FIVDB in Sylhet organized the orientation in collaboration with Directorate of Primary Education (DPE). BEN and CAMPE member organizations and government primary education personnel of the respective regions were the key target groups for this orientation program. Funding support of the workshops came from Aga Khan Foundation - Bangladesh complemented by contribution from Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) for the orientation in Dhaka Region and Save the Children for the orientation in Khulna Region.

Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) collaborated with BEN in organizing the orientation and provided necessary instruction to their regional offices that ensured the participation of the district level officers responsible for PPE. In the orientations, the Deputy Director, DPE of each region participated and made presentations on GO-NGO Collaboration Guideline and gave their commitment for the implementation of GO-NGO Collaboration. Director-Policy & Operation, DPE, Mr. Faruque Jalil attended in the Dhaka and Rangpur regional orientations.

In the orientations, representatives from BEN Executive Committee members participated, presented the GO-NGO Collaboration implementation plan and provided guidance to the local level organizations working in PPE. Representatives from local civil society, local administration and journalists also attended the orientations.

A "way forward" session was an important and interactive part in each orientation. Government officials and BEN Executive Committee representatives addressed the queries raised by the participants regarding the implementation plan.

It was suggested in the orientations that the NGOs should apply for GO-NGO collaboration through the prescribed format of MOU approved by the government. BEN regional secretariats and central secretariat were advised to cooperate in this process. It was also advised that the NGOs should provide their PPE information to DPE so that they can be included in the PPE material distribution list of DPE.

The orientation also offered an opportunity for the BEN members of the respective regions to discuss among themselves about the regional ECD activities under the umbrella of BEN. They gathered together in a session and discussed how the regions could be more active.