A Gathering of Minds
Recently, the British Council hosted a transformative event at its Fuller Road Auditorium in Dhaka - the ‘Symposium on Employability: Learning and Development.’ This day-long congregation brought together a diverse mix of policymakers, education experts, industry stalwarts, and young representatives to address an ever-pressing issue: the journey from education to employment in Bangladesh.
Unveiling Critical Discrepancies
The symposium was the final chord in a symphony of Focus Group Discussions facilitated by the British Council, where voices from academia, employers, and development professionals converged. It became painfully evident that a substantial gap exists between academic learning and industry expectations. This gap underscores an urgent need for curriculum reform, experiential learning, and targeted guidance for budding professionals.
Voices of Influence
Key figures graced the stage, including K M Kabirul Islam from the Ministry of Education and Evan Frendo, a celebrated consultant in international workplace learning. In the warm welcome delivered by Stephen Forbes, Country Director at the British Council Bangladesh, the intent was clear - to cultivate robust conversations linking academia, industry, and youth for a more inclusive learning approach.
An Echo from the Panel
A significant highlight was an engaging panel discussion that unearthed strategies to incorporate soft skills, digital literacy, and real-world experiences into higher education. Notable figures like Jesmin Ara from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and Samaresh Saha from the British Council, shared their insights on the significance of industry input in shaping adaptable, job-ready graduates.
The Call for Collective Action
K M Kabirul Islam passionately articulated the Government of Bangladesh’s efforts and vision: “We are driven to provide our youth with the technical savvy, soft skills, and digital finesse they need for success.” He stressed the indispensable need for partnership to prepare the youth for an evolving global workforce.
Concluding on a Collaborative Note
The event gracefully rounded off with a networking session designed to foster collaboration across universities, employers, and development allies. Such synergy aims to bolster employability outcomes nationally, as Bangladesh marches towards equipping its young population for a dynamic job market, with more than 60% of its populace under the age of 35.
According to The Financial Express | First Financial Daily of Bangladesh, this symposium marks a promising stride in aligning the education landscape with the employment sector’s demands, nurturing the youth for an empowered future.
