Gaibandha: Speakers at a function emphasized the importance of ensuring quality early childhood development (ECD) for all children, including those with disabilities, to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals by 2030. They addressed the challenges faced by children with disabilities, such as physical barriers that hinder school attendance and increase dropout rates, as well as their detachment from various services in ECD and pre-primary programs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the comments were made during a workshop on the launch of the En-Reach Education project at the Primary Teachers’ Training Institute. The event was organized by icddr,b to discuss the project’s design, methods, and operational strategies. The workshop was chaired by district primary education officer, Nobez Uddin.
Md. Kamrul Hasan, director of policy and operation at the directorate of Primary Education, addressed the function virtually from Dhaka as the chief guest. Other notable speakers included Joynul Abedin, deputy director of pre-primary and inclusion at the directorate of Primary Education, and Md. Fazlul Haque, deputy director of the department of social services, who also participated virtually.
Nargis Akhtar, assistant director of pre-primary at the directorate of Primary Education, participated as a guest of honor. The event was moderated by Utpal Mollick and included addresses from Sadia Afrin Bizly, superintendent of the institute, S.M. Arshad, assistant district primary education officer, and Rabiul Islam, senior instructor at Palashbari upazila Resource Center.
Mohammad Abdul Awal Miah, a research investigator at icddr,b, presented a PowerPoint on the project, stating that it was launched on January 1st and will be implemented in Sadullapur, Palashbari, Sundarganj, and Shaghata upazilas of the district.
The opening session was virtually addressed by Dr. Jena Derakhshani Hamadani, an Emeritus scientist at icddr,b and project director of En-Reach Education. The event was attended by research officer Rowha Anamika Sarker, along with head teachers of primary schools, assistant upazila education officers, upazila education officers, instructors of upazila resource centers, and journalists.