Enabling environment and equal opportunities can ensure children enjoying their full potential regardless of gender and can build their future to contribute to their country’s progress, said the speakers at a Model School Fair on Tuesday.

The fair was organized by Plan International Bangladesh and SUROVI with the support of Directorate of Secondary & Higher Education (DSHE) under the project Child Bride to Bookworm in the premises of Maniknagar Model High School.

This unique fair was inaugurated by the Chief Guest DSHE Directorate (Secondary) Mohammad Belal Hossain. Around one thousand students took part in this fair along with Government officials, teachers, and parents.

Addressing the event, DSHE Directorate Professor Mohammad Belal Hossain said, following the efforts of the Bangladesh Government, a new curriculum has been introduced for two classes in 2023. Teachers are being trained to implement the curriculum.   

He also mentioned that Head Teachers play the key role in driving the schools as model schools creating an enabling environment for the children. Teachers and parents have a supportive role to play here. This cannot be done alone. Integrated efforts are required.

SRHR Lead of Plan International Bangladesh Ferdousi Begum said, Plan International Bangladesh has been working with several secondary schools following the guidance of DSHE. The learning should be disseminated among other schools.

Syed Mainul Hassan, Deputy Director (Special Education) of DSHE, said, there is no alternative to develop smart Bangladesh to compete with the global world. For this, each and every school has to be a model school where all students, specially girls, will have the space to build themselves as skillful human resources.

DSHE’s Assistant Director Md Khalid Saifullah said, to make a school a model one a few things need to be ensured, and these are- gender equity, quality education, inclusive education and trained teachers.

In the conclusion remark, Ashik Billah, Head of Central and Northern Region of Plan International Bangladesh said, the project is working to reduce child marriage, school dropout, child labour and to strengthen school management through its intervention. 

Executive Director of SUROVI Md Abu Taher spoke on the occasion as well.

Following the event, children received awards for the best stalls of the day presenting the elements and process of their model school ensuring gender equality and enabling environment.