Dialogue in Chattogram addresses education sector gaps and calls for inclusive development

Frequent shifts in Bangladesh's education curriculum present challenges for both students and teachers in adapting to the evolving system. To address this issue, experts highlighted the need for research-based, sustainable curriculum development at an exclusive dialogue titled "Chattogram Rising: The Next Wave in Education". The event was held at Frobel Academy in Chattogram and organized by Teach For Bangladesh in partnership with Frobel Academy, a Cambridge IGCSE and STEM-accredited institution.

In the face of recent political unrest and natural disasters affecting students and educators, this dialogue provided an opportunity for collaborative discussions and strategic planning to address the unique needs of Chattogram's education sector.

During the event, attendees were divided into ten groups, including students, teachers, parents, and education stakeholders, to identify core issues and propose solutions for Chattogram's education sector. Key insights were then shared in a panel discussion featuring Tehseen Zohair, Director of Frobel Academy; Munia Isiam Mazumdar, CEO of Teach For Bangladesh; S M Abdur Rahman, District Primary Education Officer; and Vashkar Bhattacharjee, National Consultant for Accessibility in the a2i Program of the ICT Division, Bangladesh Government.

Panel discussions covered pressing issues, such as the quality of education in government schools, infrastructural inadequacies, waterlogging disruptions, and the need for more inclusive education practices. Participants expressed concerns that, despite Chattogram's role as a culturally rich and economically significant port city, its education sector remains underdeveloped. Issues like child marriage and the impact of rainfall on daily activities were also highlighted as barriers to educational progress.

The dialogue emphasized the limited support for inclusive education, with many services for students with disabilities relying on the Social Welfare Department, an agency without specialized educational expertise. While some investments have been made to advance inclusive education, participants argued that implementation is still lacking.

Teach For Bangladesh, through its Fellowship program since 2012, has focused on educational equity and systemic change, developing a network of over 290 alumni dedicated to transformative education. Frobel Academy aligns with this mission, promoting innovative and inclusive teaching practices for all students.

This Education Dialogue brought together educators, policymakers, and community leaders committed to developing a resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented education system in Bangladesh.