CONNECTING Classrooms By Sareka Jahan

In 2009 Naziria Naymia Mahmudia Madrasa was a remote secondary level institution in Chittagong. Then, under the guidance of its Principal, Hafez Allama Mohammad Mohiul Hoque, 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. This year, software giant Microsoft has selected British Council's 'Connecting Classroom' Ambassador, Mohiul Hoque as one of the outstanding mentors in the world. Three teachers from his madrasa will participate at Microsoft Education Global Forum in Barcelona, scheduled to be held in March 2014. Microsoft has selected Mohiul Hoque -- from over 23,000 educators in over 150 countries -- to be a part of the group, 'Expert Educators'. Mohiul Hoque and his madrsa will receive different types of benefits, including publicity and promotion of his success via social media and other Microsoft channels, professional and career development opportunities with Microsoft representatives in Bangladesh and Washington, and opportunities to share expertise with world-renowned educators and innovators. The project has achieved action and legacy outcomes through individual achievements, and enhanced the reputation of Hoque and his madrasa in Chittagong. “British Council has created a platform for us through the 'Connecting Classrooms' project and accelerated our expertise to act as mentors with 21st century skills,” said Mohiul Hoque. “Being involved with this project has turned the impossible into possible,” he added. '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. In 2012-13, around 25,000 students from across Bangladesh got involved in 'Connecting Classrooms' activities. More than 1300 schools from different parts of Bangladesh are now registered on the British Council Schools Online website. Over 300 schools have run social action projects and 150 schools have worked on international projects with schools in the UK and other countries. Sareka Jahan is the project coordinator.