On September 26, 2023, under the project “STEM & ICT Skills for Girls of Coastal Areas [SISGCA]”, Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) has built a portable STEM lab to support underprivileged female students in developing information technology-based skills. The lab equipment was handed over to the school authority of Bara Katali Secondary School, Rampal, Bagerhat District, through a ceremony in association with MALALA Fund. Headteacher and school committee members attended the event.

Digital Devices and Portable STEM Lab Handover in Bara Katali Secondary School, Rampal, Bagerhat

The project is being supervised by the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF) and sponsored by the international donor organization Malala Fund. It aims to conduct various activities, including science and technology-based skill development for female students of 6th to 8th class of 6 schools in Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira Zilas. As a continuation of this program, hands-on technology, science, robotics, programming, and math lab materials are provided to these schools in Rampal.

Project Coordinator Mahbub Ul Islam Khan, Regional Coordinator Sardar Inzamamul Haque and Project Executive Rezaul Islam handed over the digital devices and the lab equipment to the responsible teacher of the school. This STEM Lab will help the students in hands-on technology practice for the sustainable implementation of the project.

The head teachers of the school expressed their desire that regular STEM activities be conducted in school through a STEM lab with the interest of the students and teachers of the school. The project is expected to bring positive change among girls and community people regarding STEM education and ICT careers by creating awareness about gender inequality, STEM education and employment prospects, and career opportunities for girls in the ICT sector.