Cross-sector collaboration vital for tech-driven quality education: Stakeholders

Public-private partnerships are essential for ensuring technology-driven quality education in Bangladesh, said educationists, policymakers, donors, and NGO representatives at a roundtable discussion.

The roundtable, titled "Cross-Sector Collaboration: A Catalyst for Education Reform," was organised by CholPori, a digital learning and training tool, in collaboration with the Campaign for Mass Education on 24 February at a city hotel in Dhaka.

CholPori shared insights from three years of implementing blended classroom teaching materials. They reported significant improvements in mathematics and English scores, along with increased classroom engagement.

Chairing the discussion, Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director of the Campaign for Popular Education, said, "We need 21st-century skills, but human values must be part of this. That raises the question of our capacity."

Emphasising the role of parents as key stakeholders in education, she added, "If parents are not motivated, other factors like curriculum, teachers, and resources may not be effective."

She also underscored the importance of integrating traditional wisdom into the curriculum.

As a guest of honour, Dr AQM Shafiul Azam, director of the Planning and Development Wing at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, focused on the need for an engaging learning environment. "Students today are reluctant to attend classes. We need to make classrooms more attractive," he said.

He also stressed the importance of modernising the curriculum, adding that digital content for secondary education should be developed, similar to existing efforts at the primary level.

Munir M Merali, diplomatic representative to Bangladesh for the Aga Khan Development Network, highlighted key challenges within the education system, including climate change, sustainability, and technology adaptation.

"Technology is no longer a luxury," he said.

He identified four key components that shape the education ecosystem: students, teachers, policies, and resources.

He discussed systemic limitations and noted, "Teaching is still not considered a top career aspiration in Bangladesh."

Addressing training gaps, Mohammad Golam Kibria, team leader and education adviser at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, said, "Some teachers receive training three to four times, while others never receive any training at all."

Mohammad Shah Alam, managing director of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh (Sisimpur), pointed out, "Parents are not ready to embrace digital content. They only focus on traditional studying. There are significant gaps, and collaboration is minimal."

He said that government policies are becoming more receptive to integrating digital content.

Rozina Rahman, Chattogram's Hathazari Upazila Education Officer, emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration in ensuring quality education.

"Our teachers are not receiving sufficient training, and many rural schools lack essential educators. NGOs can play a vital role in bridging these gaps," she said.

Dr Dilruba Sultana, a senior faculty member at BRAC Institute of Educational Development, spoke about bureaucratic barriers that make collaboration with the government more challenging.

Experts at the event agreed that Bangladesh's education sector faces complex challenges requiring collaborative solutions.

They emphasised that such collaboration is essential for achieving long-term systemic improvements.  By working together, the country can create a more equitable, effective, and relevant education system for all learners, they said.

The event was moderated by Zareen Mahmud Hosein, founder of CholPori.