How a UNO’s initiative is empowering a generation

Narsingdi's Palash upazila is making a major impact on the education and future aspirations of its young citizens.

At least 113 language clubs have been established in local schools, providing students with the opportunity to learn new languages, read books and magazines, and receive motivation and guidance on various educational and career-related topics.

And this has been made possible through the efforts of Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Robiul Alam, said locals.

When Robiul first joined the Narsingdi UNO office last December, he observed that many schools did not have such clubs or development courses for children.

As part of his job, he regularly visits schools and assesses their operations. "I realised that I could turn my visits into something meaningful for the students," Robiul told The Daily Star recently.

Robiul's solution was a multi-faceted approach that included visiting schools every day, motivating students with gifts during assembly sessions and launching a language club where young students could explore various languages, literature and literary figures.

He named this initiative "Know Your Potential".

In December, Robiul approached parents, teachers, and headteachers to gauge their interest in the project, and was met with positive response.

With 113 language clubs now established in 64 primary schools, 36 secondary schools and nine madrasas, 2,445 students in Palash upazila now have access to these clubs and their resources.

A teacher from every school is assigned to run the language club. Students read newspapers, magazines, and different books. The assigned teacher helps them with writing and encourages them to speak in English and write book reviews regularly.

Dilruba Yeasmin, upazila primary education officer of Palash, said every Thursday, around 15 to 20 students from grades four and five in 64 primary schools attend the language-club sessions.

"It was challenging at the beginning to encourage students to join the clubs because many parents thought that since there are no grades related to this club, it would be a waste. However, within a short span of time, when the change in their language efficiency was visible, this attitude changed," Dilruba added.

"The UNO visits  the schools regularly. In case we miss visiting a school, we ask the appointed teacher to send us photos of the club session on a WhatsApp group," said Milon Krishna Halder, upazila secondary education officer of Palash.

Robiul said his next goal is to publish a school magazine.

"It will be an endeavour entirely run by the students. They will write, edit and print it from the press with our support," he added.