CHILDREN at Sirajganj’s Kagmari Char are now free from the hassle of making risky journeys to school on boats. They thank O Aa Ka Kha School, the brainchild of Sirajganj resident Dr Nazmul Islam, for that. The school not only saves the little learners’ time but also provides them with education materials at a monthly fee of only Tk 10.
It all started in 2016 when Nazmul, a medical graduate, received a blow in his persuasion of MBBS after he failed in a course on surgery. But instead of lamenting over it, Nazmul made the best possible use of his time by setting up the school in Savar on the outskirts of Dhaka.
In January this year, he extended his vision and established another branch for the children at Kagmari Char, which is about 10 kilometres off his home town. Twenty of his friends, who were studying at the same medical school in Savar, supported him in his mission.90 children were attending classes from grades one to five and most of the teachers were University students. Classes are held six days a week and the students take part in different extra-curricular activities as well.
Setting up such schools is a noteworthy initiative by our general citizens. They are helping children who reside in remote areas to continue their education at a cost which is affordable to the vast majority of our citizens. Such schools represent a beacon of light for those students who, either due to distance or impecunious means, are unable to continue their education after a certain point in their school going years.
It’s appreciating that such initiatives are helping the low income students to attain a proper education. Increasing literacy rates is a major factor in boosting our nation’s economic growth and development. Education is the single most important factor when it comes to increasing the efficiency of our labour force. Ensuring a strong and well educated workforce is a goal which will reap huge dividends for our nation in the future.
