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Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Bangladesh

261 students awarded for community services, self-development skills

Staff Correspondent
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Foundation, Bangladesh yesterday conferred Bronze Award on 261 students for their achievements in self-development skills and community services.
Educationists lauded th& initiative of the Foundation, saying such efforts are extremely important for the young people to develop their inner qualities, honesty and integrity alongside academic education. I
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which was set up in 1956 in England, is a programme of activities that can be undertaken by anyone aged from 14 to 25, regardless of personal ability.
In Bangladesh the Award started its journey on September 20, 2008. The Bronze Award, which takes minimum six months of efforts, comprises of four sections a voluntary community service, acquiring a new skill, pursuing a physical recreation and adventurous journey
The students who received the Bronze Award at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the first Duke of Edinburgh's Award ceremony taught underprivileged children, led cleaning campaigns as their service option, while as physical recreation, some leamt Karate, sports or relaxing mind and body with yoga.
For skills some learned a foreign language or chose playing musical instruments, while for adventurous journey, the awardees had expeditions to different parts of the country.
The educational institutes from where students participated in the first ever Duke of Edinburgh's Award include American International University -Bangladesh. Bangladesh International Tutorial. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, European Standard School, Dhaka University, Grace International School, Jahangirnagar University, Maple Leaf International School, Mastermind School, Oxford International School and United International University.
Addressing the programme as the chief guest. Dr Alauddin Ahmed, adviser for education, social development and political affairs to the prime minister, said such programmes help individuals become confident and independent and achieve qualities of their own capacity.
"For Bangladesh, this type of self-development programme is an absolutely novel concept. Young people are the driving force of our country and this award will train them to make the society a better place to live in,” he said Dr Alauddin Ahmed expected that the transformation of the award participants will groom them as competent human resources dedicated to take the country ahead.
Speaking as a special guest, Osman Morad, chairman of the board of trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Foundation, Bangladesh, said, "A well rounded education involves
wide ranging extra-curricula activities that prepare the young people to accomplish major achievements in their lives.”
Underscoring the need for developing practical skills, creativity, sympathy and understanding for the young people, he said he believes the programme will give them perfect platform to flourish as leaders and worthy citizens of
the country.
Morad said they would gradually spread the event across the country.
State Minister for the Ministry of Liberation War Captain (retd) AB Tajul Islam, heads of the participating institutes, trustees, national directors and members of the Award Foundation were also present.