The program structure was developed to respond to schooling problems identified by mothers taking
part in other BRAC programs. BRAC schools teach the children of poor, often landless families. well over two-thirds of the students are girls. In the earlier years of the program, the school typically operated for only a few hours a day so that the children can help at home and in farm on nonfarm activities. Parents decide whether classes will be held in the morning or the evening, depending on the nature of the village's needs. little homework is assigned, as homework requirement were identified as a major stumbling block to keeping children in school. BRAC hoped to make up for shorter school hours with a higher-quality education featuring a significantly smaller class size of about 30 to 35, engaging teaching styles, and the care shown for the pupils