JICA hosts a sports festival at Milestone School to support student recovery
Following the success of last year's Peace Flower Essay Contest, the Japan International Cooperation Agency on 25 January, 2026, organised a sports festival at the campus of Milestone School and College to support students' emotional recovery and reconnection with school life.
The therapeutic and community-focused event was co-hosted by Milestone School and College, with support from MUFG Bank and Ekmattra Society. The initiative aimed to help students cope with the emotional impact of the tragic jet crash that deeply affected the school community and the nation.
National cricket icon Mushfiqur Rahim attended the programme as the special guest. Held from 10:00am to 1:30pm, the event drew enthusiastic participation from students and teachers, with Rahim's presence offering encouragement and inspiration during a difficult recovery period.
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In the months following the incident, Milestone School and College experienced a decline in regular attendance, with around 100 students becoming irregular and many struggling to re-engage with school life. While counselling support was provided, JICA and its partners identified the need for a collective, positive experience to help students rebuild confidence and replace distressing memories.
The sports festival was designed as a healing intervention, featuring various games and activities, including cricket, to promote participation, teamwork and a sense of togetherness. The initiative also strengthened JICA's partnership with Milestone School and College as an example of holistic child development support during times of crisis.
Rahim's participation carried additional significance as a proud alumnus of the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan, symbolising the journey from grassroots sports to national achievement. JICA has long collaborated with BKSP and has deployed nearly 30 Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in the sports sector over the years, reflecting its continued commitment to youth empowerment and sports development in Bangladesh.
More than 1,300 students, including participants and spectators, took part in the festival. Beyond the sporting activities, the event offered students an opportunity to reconnect with peers, support one another and reimagine their school as a safe and joyful space.
