Teach For Bangladesh (TFB) is an organisation working to solve one of the oldest injustices in our country: Educational disparity. The opportunity for children to access quality education is determined by the socio-economic conditions of their birth.
Teach For Bangladesh addresses this by creating bold new leadership enlisting top Bangladeshi young adults to a two-year leadership development Fellowship, during which they teach full-time in low-income schools. Currently there are 29 countries which have adopted the model.
Tell us a little about your educational background.
I recently completed my undergrads in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB).
I did my A’levels from Academia and O’levels from Will’s Little Flower Higher Secondary School where I was conferred The Daily Star Award twice for achieving outstanding results.
When did you first notice a disparity in our education system; have you always wanted to do something about it?
While I was at university I was involved in many initiatives, which impacted underprivileged children.
They not only lacked proper education but were also denied several basic rights as human beings. I realised that distributing clothes in winter, on Eid festivals, arranging Iftars, giving them food and toys were short-term solutions and would not empower them for the future.
I always wanted to do more. I knew the only way to do this was by giving them an excellent education, so that they could overcome the barrier of illiteracy and really contribute to society.
Please share a little bit about TFB that you have come to experience till now.
The thing that struck me most about TFB was its professionalism and organised structure. When I first talked with some of the representatives of TFB, their passion and dedication for their work was really contagious and inspiring.
When I first met the other 16 fellows, I was really amazed and delighted that I would be embarking on this uphill battle of educational inequity with such bright and talented people.
What led you towards TFB as opposed to the conventional options?
I was in my 2nd last semester of university when I first met the CEO of TFB; her convictions were not only inspiring but infused in me a sense of urgency. Several meetings later I was convinced that this was an opportunity worth considering.
I was fully convinced that this is what I had been looking for. TFB being a part of a global network has the resources and an organised structure with highly trained professionals to reach their goal.
The most important thing is that now I am convinced that this model is going to have a massive impact on Bangladesh’s educational system.
The TFB Fellowship programme is one that is highly selective, In your opinion, which of your achievements and roles set you apart from your peers?
I think my work experience with a varied range of organisations gave me a competitive edge. I have worked with international and national organisations such as AIESEC, IEEE, Leaders For Nation, Rotaract, BYLC and others.
I have learnt leadership skills, professionalism, motivational skills, communications and public speaking skills. I also had the firsthand experience of working with underprivileged people under enormous pressures and deadlines.
Do you plan to remain in the education sector following the completion of your two-year Fellowship or do you plan on bringing the professional development and training you receive to another field?
I am not planning to remain in the education sector, but there is a chance I might continue.
My main plan is to move into the development sector; I am planning to do my Masters on development studies and really hope to join credible organisations working relentlessly to solve global issues.
These two years of intense training will take me miles ahead from where I am right now in understanding the mindsets and gaining key skills to improve our country and community.
Where do you see yourself two years from now, at the end of your Fellowship?
As an alumnus of the TFB fellowship I know I would have spent the past two years stepping out of my “cocoon” of comfort and really challenging myself to achieve excellence.
I see myself as someone who is determined, sets ambitious goals and pursues them with rigour and a sense of possibility. I also hope to become a better human being and a better Muslim with compassion and humility.
What is your dream for the children of Bangladesh?
I dream of a Bangladesh where no child is illiterate and will rely on their knowledge to earn their livelihood instead of their physical struggle.
I dream that the future generations will hold a strong sense of virtue and righteousness. Only then can we dream about a beautiful Bangladesh.