In 1995, the CEO, along with a secondary school headmaster and a delegation of South Asian students and volunteers, visited Bangladesh at the invitation of the Bangladeshi High Commission. The purpose of this visit was to establish an educational partnership designed to address the challenges posed by extended absences from UK schools, commonly referred to as the ‘leave gap.’ This gap often affects the academic progress of South Asian students who travel back to their home countries for extended periods.

During the visit, the delegation engaged with local government officials, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to develop a comprehensive strategy. NGOs played a crucial role in this initiative by providing on-the-ground insights and facilitating communication between the visiting delegation and local communities. Their involvement ensured that the program was culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the specific needs of the students.

The discussions culminated in the drafting of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the UK delegation and Bangladeshi authorities. This MoU outlined the framework for cooperation, including the exchange of educational resources, teacher training programs, and the establishment of support systems to help students maintain their academic progress during their stay in Bangladesh. This partnership aimed to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that students could seamlessly reintegrate into their UK schools upon return, thereby enhancing their educational continuity and overall academic success.