On 27 August, UNV Bangladesh, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and VSO Bangladesh jointly organized an event titled ‘Transforming Education and Youth Volunteerism’ on the occasion of Youth Day.
Around 150 youth and volunteers gathered at ULAB to celebrate the power of youth. The theme of this year’s Youth Day was ‘Transforming education”. Mr. SudiptoMukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh delivered opening remarks. ‘We need value-based education which should be equitable, and inclusive for all youth. For transforming education, volunteerism is important element’, Mr. Sudipto stressed during his remarks.
Among others, Dr. HM Jahirul Haque, Vice Chancellor of ULAB, MsBonna Mirza, Actress and social activist, Md. Aktar Uddin, Country Coordinator, UNV Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman, Head of UNIC, Md. Forkhan Uddin, Country Director, VSO Bangladesh and Professor Pinki Shah put forward their valuable suggestions regarding a more dynamic, inclusive and equitable education system.
The Volunteers shared their inspirational stories of passionate volunteerism. The event followed by a panel discussion and an interactive session where they answered and gave solutions to the students’ various questions regarding career development, inclusive education, gender issue and overcoming obstacles. Mr. Md. Moniruzzaman expressed the importance of volunteerism that how it allows one to connect to the community and make it a better place, expand network, and boost social skills. Ms. Mirza explained how artist group could contribute on promoting youth volunteerism and how she herself could create awareness through community based theatre. Professor Shah emphasized the importance of increasing the budget allocation in education sector and Professor Mehedi Rajib discussed the role of teachers and students as well towards a better education system using limited resources. Md. Aktar Uddin along with the panelists inspired the students towards youth volunteerism and self-development. The event also honoured the best volunteers with UN SDG medal and certificates.