Staff Reporter, Rangpur :
Academicians and Administrators underscored the need for promoting women’s education in Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics [STEM] field as every aspect of life in the present world is getting technology-based.
Speakers on Saturday made the observations at Begum Rokeya Auditorium of the city in a daylong seminar styled- ‘Strengthening US- Bangladesh sustainable Relationship by Developing Student -centered STEM Education’ a US Embassy supported program in association with a non-government organization – Education and Cultural Society.
STEM experts, scholars, researchers, curriculum experts, education officials under Ministry of Education attended the seminar. Some 100 female secondary level science teachers from different educational institutes across the division joined the event.
Deputy Commissioner, Asib Ahsan attended the inauguration of the seminar as chief guest while Deputy Director [Secondary Education], Akhtaruzzaman attended as guest of honour with, Executive Director, ECS Kazi Nasrin Siddiqa in the chair.
The Chief Guest said, Women and girls empowerment is very important for sustainable development. Both male and female students have equal opportunities and access to the education. The advancement of a country depends upon equal participation of male and female in every job. The government has given top priority on female education and science and technology based learning in the country.
The guest of honor said, female teachers and girls’ engagement are very important for any development. He urged the female educators and learners to take the lead of the STEM Education campaign as they could make significant changes.
The seminar was also followed by a panel discussion. Professor Dr Gazi Majharul Anowar, Department of Physics Begum Rokeya University, Associate Professor ,[English] Teacher trainer and Pedagogy specialist, Rangpur Teachers Training College , Jahangir Hasan , District Education Officer, Ruksana Begum Principal, Robertsongonj High School & College, Rangpur, Zakir Hossain, Principal Agriculture Scientific Officer, Regional Agriculture Research Institute, Rangpur Dr Mst Selina Hasan joined as panel discussants.
The discussants said, the number of science students have been declining in the schools especially in rural areas of the country. Parents and guardians have a wrong perception that science education is costly. Shortage of trained teachers, interactive classes and laboratory facilities are the major drawbacks that need to be addressed properly. Education does not only mean centering the syllabus in the book. It also demands the skills- which make individuals competent in this immensely diverse and fast-paced world. STEM related education can help the young people develop the knowledge, skills, and values to live and work in a global economy and contribute responsibly to the society both locally and internationally.
