Bangladeshi Madrasa teacher shows ‘How it’s done’ !

Living in an era which is somewhat blind without technology, we are all aware of Microsoft’s relentless efforts to harness it. Once more Microsoft took a noticeable stance when they partnered with education communities around the world to deliver relevant, effective, and scalable technologies, services and programs that focus the contributions of many on improved learning outcomes for all. In order to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the world’s most innovative school leaders and educators who are leveraging technology to help students realize their potential, Microsoft holds an event known as “Microsoft in Education Global Forum”. But that is not the big news. In this years Microsoft in Education Global Forum in Barcelona, Spain, something remarkable happened. Something the people of our nation can take pride of. Among the 1,100 top education leaders, school leaders, educators, press, government officials, partners, and sponsors from 97 countries Mohammad Mohiul Hoque became the 1st runner-up in Learn-a-thon in “poverty” category. The Learn-a-thon is a 24 hour activity, where Experts Educators ‘walk the talk’ of 21st century skills. Experts were divided into groups with peers from different parts of the world in order to design a learning activity that displays innovative use of technology for the three Millennium Development Goals: Poverty, Sustainability, and Gender Equality.  Mohammad Mohiul Hoque became the 1st runner-up in Learn-a-thon in “poverty” category.  Mohammad Mohiul Hoque the principal of Naziria Naymia Mahmudia Madrasa made an praiseworthy mark for our nation and also showed it is possible to reach the pinnacle if you have proper guidance. So how did a simple Madrasa Principal, scramble with the world leaders? A sound staggering doesn’t it? Well, to clear your mind a bit here is brief background of this outstanding persona. The Back story Only a few years back in 2009 In 2009 Naziria Naymia Mahmudia Madrasa was a remote secondary level institution in Chittagong. Then, Principal, Hafez Allama Mohammad Mohiul Hoque took charge and under his guidance, the institution got involved with the ‘Connecting Classrooms’ project. ‘Connecting Classrooms’ is British Council’s global education programme for schools. In 2012, the madrasa became one of the best secondary level educational institutions in the country, winning the British Council’s prestigious International School Award. Immediately, the Madrasa started gaining the attention of different National and International Organization. They reached out to the Madrasa providing their assistance and in 2013 software giant Microsoft selected Mr Mohiul Hoque as one of the outstanding mentors the world. Three teachers from his madrasa got the opportunity to participate at Microsoft Education Global Forum in Barcelona, in March 2014. Maolana Mohiul’s Madrasa now caters ICT education to thousand students Mr Mohiul Hoque expressed his deep gratitude towards British Council for creating a platform through the ‘Connecting Classrooms’ project.  He mentioned how this project helped them to accelerate their expertise to act as mentors with 21st century skills ‘Connecting Classrooms’ aims at helping young people learn about global issues and become responsible global citizens, as well as giving them skills and understanding to work in a global economy in the 21st century. ‘Connecting Classrooms’ aims at helping young people learn about global issues and become responsible global citizens, as well as giving them skills and understanding to work in a global economy in the 21st century. It offers school partnerships, professional development courses for teachers, leadership courses for head teachers and students, promotion of inclusive physical education and climate for classroom, awards and accreditation and the scope to share best practices with international counterparts. Well, with the outstanding achievements in the forum it looks like for Mr Hoque and his Madrasa this is just the beginning. The rise of a new dawn, and the promise of a better day. With his success he proved to the world that it is possible to attain the impossible with your skills and hard work. Asif Neaz On April 3, 2014