Students from Friendship Schools situated in vulnerable and climate-impacted river islands (chars) of the Brahmaputra have actively represented their communities at international conferences, including the recent COP28.
The role of these youth advocates in combatting the climate crisis was discussed on Tuesday in a seminar at the District Commissioner's Office in Kurigram, a northern border district.
Kurigram Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Saidul Arif, the chief guest at the event, commended the activism of Friendship School students on the global stage, stating, "The activism of Friendship Schools students in international forums on climate action is a positive sign for the country."
The seminar, titled "The Role of the Youth in Climate Change Awareness and Social Engagement," aimed to highlight the critical role of youth in addressing climate challenges.
Organized at the District Commissioner's Office auditorium, the seminar was presided over by Friendship's Senior Director and Head of Education, Brig Gen Ilyas Iftekhar Rasul (retd). Assistant Director Reza Ahmed delivered the welcome address.
The discussions emphasized that Friendship School students, in addition to the formal National School Curriculum, receive education on climate change, disaster management, adaptation solutions, and advocacy.
Since 2021, these students have virtually engaged with counterparts in five European countries and beyond.
The exchange programs have facilitated sharing experiences on climate issues and provided insights into how communities worldwide are coping with climate crises.
Two girls from Friendship Primary Schools participated in the European Youth Event in Strasbourg, France, in June 2023, and two others attended COP28 in Dubai in December 2023.
Friendship staff acknowledged that these initiatives were made possible through the Digital Literacy, Connectivity, and Climate Resilience Project, supported by the international donor agency Malala Fund.
District Education Officer Md Shamsul Alam and District Primary Education Officer Md Nobez Uddin Sarker were special guests at the seminar, featuring addresses from Friendship's Regional Coordinator Md Abdus Salam, Senior Program Manager Md Nayamat Ullah, local journalists, administrators, and young climate advocates from Friendship schools.
