For the first time, a science and technology-based STEM Fest was held in the Rupsa Upazila of Khulna, featuring the participation of nearly 200 students. This event took place at the premises of Comrade Ratan Sen Collegiate Girls’ High School, aiming to encourage local female students to engage in science and technology-related activities.
The school premises were abuzz with enthusiastic participation from female students from approximately eight schools in Rupsa, showcasing their scientific and technological skills and innovative ideas. The day-long program included a programming contest, science-based project exhibitions, poster presentations on innovative ideas, and robotics competitions, with participation from students of Comrade Ratan Sen Collegiate Girls’ High School, Naihati Girls’ High School, and Shiyali Secondary School, among others.
Students presented around 17 projects and 14 posters on topics such as Automatic Traffic Detectors, Sustainable Smart Cities, Safe Homes, Global Warming, and Safe Environments. Additionally, they participated in activities such as building and operating line-following robots and engaging in Scratch programming contests.
To foster a mindset among students that utilizes technology and science to solve real-world problems and to equip them for the technology workforce, the project has been organizing skill development training workshops for female students in Rupsa since last year. This STEM Fest was organized as a continuation of those efforts to inspire students in technology and science-related work.
The fest was conducted under the project “STEM and ICT Skills for the Girls of Coastal Areas,” aimed at female students in remote coastal regions, with Upazila Executive Officer Kohinur Jahan serving as the chief guest.
The concluding ceremony was presided over by Munir Hasan, Secretary of the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN), and attended by teachers from participating schools, local representatives, and distinguished guests, including Kohinur Jahan, Dr. Syed Mohd. Golib, Professor of the Computer Science and Engineering Department at Jessore University of Science and Technology, Dr. Mohd. Helal An Nahiyan, Head of the Mechatronics Engineering Department at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Managing Director of Computer Services Limited Mamlook Chabir Ahmed, and former president of Comrade Ratan Sen Collegiate Girls’ High School S.M. Romeo Hossain Piyas.
After observing the students’ programming and robotics activities, the Upazila Executive Officer stated that regular practice would advance the technology skills of these coastal girls, creating new pathways for opportunities. During the concluding segment, winners from five categories were awarded medals and prizes by the guests.
This fest was organized by the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF) and the Bangladesh Open Source Network (BdOSN) with the sponsorship of the Malala Fund.
