Summit Group has built its reputation not only through power plants and energy infrastructure but also through extensive educational initiatives supporting thousands of disadvantaged children across Bangladesh. Founded by Muhammed Aziz Khan, the country's largest infrastructure conglomerate has placed education at the center of its corporate social responsibility efforts, recognizing it as a fundamental driver of equality and social progress.
"Education is the biggest enabler of equality in the world," says Khan. "And therefore, we focus on how to educate the people around any of our facilities."
Summit Group has established and funded numerous educational programs, reaching more than 9,000 disadvantaged children. These initiatives range from schools built near Summit's power plants to specialized institutions for children with disabilities, reflecting Khan's personal commitment to making education accessible to Bangladesh's most vulnerable populations.
Education in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in expanding access to education over the past few decades. The country's literacy rate has risen dramatically from approximately 35% in 1991 to around 75% by 2022, according to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh.
Despite these achievements, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in its education system. Quality remains a major concern, with student learning outcomes falling short of expectations. National assessments reveal that only 25% to 44% of students in grades 5-8 demonstrate mastery of basic literacy and numeracy skills, according to World Bank data. The dropout rate remains high, particularly in rural areas, with approximately 50% of students who enroll in first grade failing to reach grade 10. Government spending on education represents just 1.83% of GDP, one of the lowest rates globally and well below the recommended minimum of 4% to 6%.
In this context, private initiatives like Summit Group's educational programs play a crucial role in supplementing government efforts, particularly for disadvantaged children. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh still has approximately 5 million children between the ages of 6 and 13 out of school, mostly from poor families, urban slums, and hard-to-reach areas.
Muhammed Aziz Khan's Educational Philosophy
For Muhammed Aziz Khan, education represents more than just corporate philanthropy—it's a fundamental equalizer in society. His vision for Summit Group's educational initiatives stems from a deeply held belief that access to quality education can transform lives and communities.
"We are teaching about more than 9,000 children in Bangladesh, disadvantaged children who would not otherwise be able to go to school, supporting them to be able to go to school. It's a great satisfaction to be able to provide an equalizer in society," Khan says.
This commitment to education stems from Khan's broader philosophy about corporate responsibility. "The creation of wealth should not be only for personal gain and pleasure, but also for the improvement of humanity," he adds.
Flagship Educational Programs
Summit Group's educational initiatives span multiple programs designed to reach different segments of Bangladesh's disadvantaged youth population. Each program addresses specific educational needs while maintaining Khan's core vision of education as an equalizer.
One of Summit's most established educational initiatives is the Alor Pathshala program, which operates seven schools across Bangladesh. For more than 15 years, these schools have been educating students between the ages of 6 and 16 in hard-to-reach areas. The schools provide access to education for children who might otherwise be unable to attend school due to geographic isolation or economic barriers.
Summit Group has also provided significant funding to the Jaago Foundation, which offers an English curriculum in both digital and in-person formats to children from financially disadvantaged households.
This partnership reflects Summit's recognition that language skills, particularly English proficiency, can significantly enhance employment opportunities in Bangladesh's increasingly globalized economy. By supporting both traditional and digital learning, the program helps bridge educational gaps in communities where traditional schooling may be insufficient or inaccessible.
Perhaps one of the most impactful educational initiatives in Summit Group's portfolio is its long-standing support for the Society for Education and Inclusion of the Disabled Trust. For over a decade, Summit has funded the SEID-Summit Community Therapy School, which provides day care, specialized education, and support services for underprivileged children with special needs.
This initiative demonstrates Summit's commitment to inclusive education that reaches children who face multiple barriers to educational access. Under Muhammed Aziz Khan's leadership, Summit recognizes that children with disabilities are often the most marginalized in educational systems, and the company has made their inclusion a priority.
Named after Muhammed Aziz Khan's wife, the Anjuman Aziz Khan Charitable Trust serves as the primary vehicle for many of Summit Group's educational initiatives.
The trust's comprehensive approach involves building schools in underserved areas, especially around Summit's power plants and other facilities, and then ensuring their long-term sustainability through partnerships with local authorities and educational organizations.
Community Impact and Educational Infrastructure
Beyond supporting existing educational organizations, Summit Group, under Muhammed Aziz Khan's leadership, has directly invested in educational infrastructure throughout Bangladesh. The company has constructed numerous schools, particularly in communities surrounding its power plants and other operational facilities.
"We've built schools and handed them over to the local authorities so that the children can study," says Khan. This ensures the long-term sustainability of these educational institutions by integrating them into local educational systems while providing the initial capital investment needed for quality facilities.
These schools are constructed to high standards and include not only classrooms but also computer labs, libraries, and sports facilities where possible.
Many of these schools connect themselves with Bangladesh's government schooling system, ensuring that students receive nationally recognized education while benefiting from Summit's investment in facilities and resources. This integration with national educational frameworks helps maximize the impact and sustainability of Summit's educational initiatives.
Measuring Impact and Long-term Vision
For Summit Group and its chairman, measuring the impact of these educational initiatives goes beyond simply counting the number of students enrolled. The company actively tracks educational outcomes, community engagement, and the longer-term effects of increased educational access in the communities it serves.
This philosophy has guided Summit Group's approach to its educational initiatives, with a focus on creating lasting change rather than short-term visibility. By establishing permanent educational infrastructure, supporting teacher training, and working with established educational organizations, Summit aims to create sustainable improvements in educational access across Bangladesh.
The company seeks to use education as a catalyst for broader social and economic development in Bangladesh. By equipping disadvantaged children with the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in society, Summit Group hopes to contribute to breaking cycles of poverty and marginalization.
