Tannjimul Muslemin Yatim and Hafiz Khana, an orphanage and Islamic school situated by the famous Hazrat Shah Amanat Shrine in Chittagong, claims to have mentored thousands of Hafiz (one who memorizes the holy Koran) since its establishment in 1970. Over 200 students share the same wooden bench for eating, sleeping, and studying–and all share a single washroom.

Orphans and the homeless receive free food, shelter, and education, and can be admitted to another madrassa or high school later. It takes 15 months to 4 years to become a Hafiz, says a mentor at Tannjimul Muslemin Yatim and Hafiz Khana. Lessons begin right after fajr (dawn) prayer up to dinner, with two short breaks for supper and chores. Without any playgrounds, students usually play indoor games.

According to UN statistics, 6 million students are enrolled in the madrassa system in Bangladesh. With an illiteracy rate of 48 percent, Bangladesh’s poor are provided educational opportunities at the madrassas. According to a World Bank study, madrassas have helped to achieve some UN development goals, such as improving equality between boys and girls.