On September 9, 2024, science sessions were held at Comrade Ratan Sen Collegiate Girls High School and Naihati Girls High School in Rupsha, Khulna, as part of the STEM & ICT Skills for the Girls of Coastal Area (SISGCA) initiative, which is funded by the Malala Fund in collaboration with BdOSN. A total of 81 students from both institutions, spanning grades 6 to 8, actively engaged in these sessions.
The primary aim of these sessions was to equip students with the necessary skills to stay abreast of developments in science and information technology. This initiative seeks to enhance the dissemination of scientific knowledge among students. However, the trend in education is declining for various reasons, particularly in coastal regions where girls significantly trail behind boys in science and technology education. Social factors often impede village girls from pursuing higher education. Participation in practical science assessments will facilitate skill acquisition, enabling students to engage in various science competitions. Their involvement in these competitions, both nationally and internationally, will bring recognition to the country.
The sessions were led by Farzana Akter Lima and Era Asrafi, who provided insights into various physics topics. The facilitators highlighted the contributions of scientists currently active in Bangladesh, discussing their experimental topics and the results achieved thus far. Additionally, the session addressed the environmental benefits of using jute-based poly bags for soil health.
During the session, students explored the concept of density and its role in buoyancy. They were also encouraged to take measures to protect the environment.