Dhaka (June 29, 2019): Bangladesh Ocean Literacy Program has facilitated another Ocean Literacy consultation workshop in Dhaka today. Thirty of the selected educators, experts, and communicators from formal and informal education institutions from around the country have gathered for the day-long workshop at the Edward M Kennedy Center in Dhaka.
Chairperson of Unnayan Shamannay Dr. Atiur Rahman inaugurated the workshop, and UNESCO representative to Bangladesh Ms. Beatrice Kaldun joined the workshop as the guest of honor. In her remarks, Ms. Beatrice Kaldun shared insights and suggestions on public education in Ocean Literacy. Ocean Literacy is a critical part of the upcoming UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
Educators from natural, life and social sciences took part in a session to discuss how to better prepare the teachers and classrooms for Ocean Literacy and Bay of Bengal literacy in Bangladesh. Public education and communications professionals from NGOs, CSOs, research institutions, and mass-media organizations had discussions about the challenges and opportunities to incorporate Ocean Literacy and Bay of Bengal Literacy in informal education programs.
Hosted by Kutub Uddin (from VOICE), the two parallel sessions of the workshop were facilitated by Enamul Mazid Khan Siddique (OXFAM in Bangladesh) and Shamir Shehab (North South University).
Among others, the workshop was attended by Professor Dr. Kazi Ahsan Habib (Aquatic Bio-resource Lab, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University), SM Rezaul Karim (VOICE), Sheikh Rokon (Riverine People), Dr. Haseeb Md Irfanullah (Independent Consultant), Syed Muntasir Ridwan (BYEI), Mr. Mahatub Khan Badhon (University of Dhaka), Zakia Shishir (Haor Ancholbashi), Sharifa Umma Shirina (University of Barishal), Ms. Tahmina Hoq (University of Dhaka), Md Abdul Baten (Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University), Sabrina Sabbir (Independent Educator), Sharmin Shara Mim (Independent Researcher), Ashik Us Salehin (VOICE), Nazia Naoreen (Center for Natural Resources Studies), Dr. Saima Ahmad (Bangladesh Open University), Taukeer Ahmed Masud (Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies), Md. Zahirul Islam (Teach For Bangladesh), Kazi Jawoad Hossain (mPower Social), Haniyum Maria Khan (North South University), Md Eusuf Rahman (Ministry of Education), AJM Zobaidur Rahman (OXFAM in Bangladesh), Jakir Hossain (Department of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography), and Md Foysal Hossain (Department of Aquatic Environment and Resource Management).
During the group discussions, participants also contributed their opinion about how to develop local contents for the teachers as per the recently published ‘Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts of the Bay of Bengal Literacy’ guidebook.
The goal of Bangladesh Ocean Literacy Program is to prepare the educators and communicators in Bangladesh to create an Ocean Literate citizenry.