STEM Camp in Khulna Inspires Coastal Girls to Dream Big in Science and Technology
A two-day residential STEM Camp held in Khulna from 1–2 November 2025 inspired a bunch of coastal girls to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event was organized under the STEM & ICT Skills for the Girls of Coastal Area (SISGCA) project, implemented by Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) with support from the Malala Fund and in association with the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF).
The camp brought together 30 students and 4 teachers from four coastal schools — Jhunjhunia Secondary School, Uddipan Br-Secondary School, Kajdia Government High School, and Pathalia Dobir Biswas Secondary School. Designed to strengthen girls’ confidence and encourage their participation in STEM, the camp blended classroom learning with real-world exploration and interactive sessions.
The first day of the camp began with a series of hands-on science experiments, where participants learned to produce carbon dioxide, observe light reflection and refraction, and verify Archimedes’ principle. These fun and engaging activities helped students connect classroom science with real-life applications while discovering the excitement of experimentation.
Students also learned about the contributions of scientists across different fields, sparking curiosity about how science shapes everyday life.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted toward robotics and coding. The girls experimented with simple robots, practiced programming through Scratch, and participated in an interactive planetarium session that introduced them to stars and constellations. These sessions nurtured creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, creating a truly immersive STEM experience.
On the second day, participants embarked on an exposure visit to Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). The visit opened new horizons for the young learners as they explored various engineering departments and the Mechatronics Laboratory.
Professor Dr. Md. Helal An Nahiyan, Head of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, met with the participants and encouraged them to pursue their interests in STEM.
“Programs like this help build confidence among girls in coastal areas and open the door for them to study and work in science and technology,” he shared.
The visit also featured interactive discussions with female KUET students, who shared their personal journeys as women in STEM. Their stories inspired the schoolgirls to envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
For many participants, the camp was a life-changing experience. Sabeera Sultana Ritu, a student from Jhunjhunia Secondary School, expressed her excitement after visiting KUET:
“Meeting the students at KUET was so inspiring! I dream of studying at a big university like them one day.”
Moments like these reflect how exposure, mentorship, and encouragement can spark motivation and broaden the perspectives of young girls from underserved areas.