On a sunny day in winter, one rooftop was filled with tiny stalls. Different countries were showcasing their significant social identities inside each stall. They welcomed the visitors by offering packets of teabags and cookies. Where one country had a display miniatures of their famous landmarks, another was offering native toffees. Another corner of the market was blooming from the smell of muri and mowa, as well with the colour of Jamdani.
The open market event was the eight days of International Study Visit of British Council’s flagship global project ‘Active Citizens.” International study visits provide active citizens an outlet to learn from the host country and from each other.
Hosted by British Council Bangladesh, the programme completed its round yesterday. A team of 25 young volunteers from different countries had a visit from January 16 to 23 to Bangladesh as part of their educational journey.
Eight countries, including the United Kingdom, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Lebanon, Vietnam, Myanmar and Bangladesh participated in sharing their experiences so far. It was also to grasp a holistic and in-depth understanding of Bangladesh’s cultural context, and how by mobilising resources directed a positive social change through leadership was another aspect of it.
This youth leadership programme progressed through several interactive sessions about different components of leadership, learning about identity and culture through dialogue and communication to give a clearer view of a community. The ultimate goal behind this was to prepare them for an action project plan through their own cultural study and assessment of its feasibility.
Every active citizen of this programme is currently involved in working in their own community. This visit brings different cultures to one place so that they can learn from each other. Guest participants visited the host community to see how things work in particular situations. Through this mutual respect and understanding, it will ultimately create a global network of active citizens. The guest participants will take back the learning experience to their home country. Although, not all procedures would be applicable because ways of working differs from each other as the context and challenges are quite different. In turn, they will acquire only the necessary skills and knowledge that apply to their own situations. After returning to their home country, the guests will be cascading these learning tips with their peers, thus informally creating networks.
Previously, a similar study visit programme occurred in Bangladesh in 2012. British Council works with many civil society organisations to implement this project out in the field. The partners circulate the information about active citizen programmes as an enthusiastic youth could participate. Through the Active Citizen programme in Bangladesh 26,000 have been trained so far.
The history of establishing Active Citizen kicked off in 2009, when a massive youth survey named “Next generation Bangladesh” had taken place to know about contemporary youths’ inspiration, desire and responsibility towards the society for the future.
Surprisingly, the findings of the survey was globally consistent and every youngster was felt concern towards nations, however, besides being doubtful on their competence they didn’t know with what approach they should move ahead with.
With this concept as a cornerstone in 2009, British Council started this global flagship programme Active Citizen, aspiring to present a platform entirely dedicated for the younger generation, as they could serve society and build themselves as leaders.
Global programme Active Citizens has been running parallel in over 30 countries, promoting community cohesion, and development through capacity building of young leaders for civic engagement and volunteering.
United Kingdom representative Rio Floreza stated, “This workshop is an excellent opportunity to find about different culture that is being introduced by this study tour. It is more than just a formal PowerPoint presentation, it’s about bringing people’s cultures into light. One thing I’ve already noticed the different aspects of our cultures and we are willing to share that. And its seems to unravel very easily and naturally. Tea table in roof-top gardens, I’ve obviously brought things from my own country. I think food is a huge part of any culture, a cup of tea with biscuits is part of daily life.
We also put on traditional clogs in a traditional dance of north-east England. In terms of social activities, we found out very quickly that Bangladesh needs very little encouragement to break out into dance. I’m so excited about the energy the country has. There is real energy with humanity, which is a combination you don’t find other places in the world.”
Bangladesh representative Rakibul Islam Waleed: “Desire and expectations of every participant are the same. Initially, I thought maybe these thing would vary, but ultimately, I have discovered everyone is thinking in same way.”
Norhan from Egypt: “I love that the people here are so friendly, I was warmly welcomed as soon as I landed here and that made me feel like home. I would love to come back here anytime to visit and hopefully spend more time exploring.”
Xuan of Vietnam: “I don’t feel like I came to a different country when I arrived. The horrible traffic, countless motorbikes, traffic noise everywhere, and engine smokes, it’s all too familiar to me and all too similar with that of Vietnam. The people here, just like in my country, are welcoming and I loved every moment I spent here. I really wanted to blend in and know a lot more about the local life here, but I had limited time to travel. So I am really looking forward to my next visit here in Bangladesh.”
Md Nilaaj from Sri Lanka, “I am from Trincomalee district, the eastern part of Sri Lanka. I grew up in a small village called Kenniya there. My village, along with a lot of other places of Sri Lanka, has been massively affected by the war caused due to the ethnic conflict in the duration of the past thirty years. After the war ended back in 2009, the youth in my community did not know what to do next.
Even though the post-war era brought in lots of opportunities for the youth, my colleagues, friends, family and everybody else in my village were unaware of these opportunities and the development of the country.
This lack of development and missed opportunities is caused due to the lack of means of communication. So when I heard about the British Council’s Active Citizens Programme, I immediately responded.
My aim is to finish my education and train myself well enough so I can go back and teach the people of my village everything that I’ve learned.”