In a significant step to empower secondary school teachers in the coastal areas, three science and ICT-based training workshops were conducted in Rupsha of Khulna, Rampal of Bagerhat, and Tala of Satkhira. Organized under the project STEM and ICT Skills for the Girls of Coastal Area, the workshops involved approximately 150 teachers specializing in science, mathematics, and ICT from 41 high schools.
The series of training began on January 14, 2025, in Rampal, Bagerhat, and concluded on January 16 in Rupsha, Khulna. This was organized with the aim of enhancing the role of educators in facilitating girls' participation in science and technology through hands-on Science, Mathematics, Programming, and Robotics training. Trainers- Mr. Md. Rezaul Karim, instructor at Rangpur Teachers Training College, Ahmed Shahriar, co-founder of Banglar Math and former senior consultant of Mathematics Olympiad, Mr. Md. Tanvir Sheikh, teacher of the electrical department of Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute, and Towhid Ahmed Reza, software developer at Computer Services Limited, led practical sessions.
Every workshop had three sessions, and thus interactive training was imparted to the participants all day long. The initiative got backing from Upazila Nirbahi Officers, who put in place close monitoring by Upazila Education Officers. Sharing his experience after such an initiative, Mr. S.M. Anwar-ul Quddus, Education Officer, Rampal said, "Such initiatives really complement government efforts in teacher empowerment."
The teachers were quite enthusiastic and said, "This training has been extremely useful in equipping us with tools to make mathematics, science, and programming more interesting among students. If the program had been longer, it would have been even more useful." This is what one participant shared during the feedback session.
The series of workshops supported by the Malala Fund and implemented by the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation seeks to ensure long-term involvement in STEM disciplines by engaging both students and teachers in creative activities.
The STEM and ICT Skills for the Girls of Coastal Area project is a pioneering effort to bridge the digital divide for girls in coastal regions. By empowering teachers through such training, the initiative ensures that these educators can serve as catalysts for change, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for STEM education in underserved areas.