Tales of joy, friendship, and warmth reverberated through the Friendship Centre in Gaibandha on 2 January 2025, as Friendship School alumni celebrated their first-ever grand reunion
by Iffat Ara Sharmeen,
2 January, 2025
The remote char islands of Northern Bangladesh are known for their unpredictable climate, isolation and lack of basic services. Sustainable development is difficult to achieve here since rebuilding from scratch is the norm. Even under such conditions, hope glimmers through in the form of young talent. Where operating schools seemed impossible, Friendship was on the ground preparing the talented youth from the chars for a better future. Starting the year on a festive note, around 100 Friendship School alumni and teachers came together in an evocative reunion in Gaibandha on 2 January, 2025.
Since 2006, Friendship Schools have been offering quality education to the most remote, marginalised communities in the char islands. To date, 408 alumni have pursued higher education at the higher secondary and tertiary level, 227 underwent skill development and technical training, and 170 alumni are employed in different professions. Some of them are thriving entrepreneurs as well.
Faces of Hope Brought Together
The event started with a reenactment of back-to-school activities such as morning assemblies and ‘anada rally’, followed by opening remarks from Reza Ahmed, assistant director of Education at Friendship. After a brief showcasing of the Education sector’s achievements so far, an overview of Friendship’s Career Guidance Cell (CGC) was shared by Olive Hossain, assistant manager of Education at Friendship. The CGC mentors Friendship School students and alumni in educational aspirations and building careers. Other senior officials of Friendship were also present, who shared their thoughts and offered crucial guidance on career aspirations and value-based life.
Md. Nur Nobi Islam, a student at Jagannath University and alumnus of Friendship School Nawshala, and Rupali Khatun, alumni of Friendship School Batikamari, anchored the event with enthusiasm and dedication. As the alumni came together in this celebration, they fostered stronger connections, reconnected with their teachers, and rekindled old friendships while also building on their networking skills. The event became a space for the alumni to share their professional and personal experiences that would serve as inspiration for other students.
“This dream really was impossible, because, for a woman, higher studies straight from the char environment was truly unthinkable. Still, I tried with your support, and that of my parents and teachers, to reach the position that I am in today,” said Bipasha Khatun, a medical student at Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Friendship School alumni.
Teachers and alumni shared how important it is to stay rooted in their communities and how education empowered them to serve the very communities they belonged to. Lessons from the July Revolution this year were discussed. The alumni found a glimpse of their childhood by playing children’s games such as darts, mini football, marble and spoon race, and hari bhanga.
Towards the Future with Dignity and Hope
Friendship founder Runa Khan also graced the event in a session titled ‘Beacon of Inspiration’. She reflected upon the journey of Friendship in the Education sector. She acknowledged the difficulties in providing quality education through formal schooling in the chars, in terms of convincing authorities and adapting to the harsh conditions of the chars. It was the hard work and commitment of the people that created these bright young individuals ready to change the future of the chars. Runa Khan ended her speech with a powerful reminder of continuous learning and character building.
“Try to learn from everyone, but most importantly, remember that true strength comes from your character. Today, I am so proud. My heart is filled with joy,” she said.
The event concluded with remarks from Brig. Gen. Ilyas Iftekhar Rasul, senior director and head of Education at Friendship. He noted how this alumni reunion served as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring bonds of friendship among the youth, who share similar origins but diverse goals. This quest for excellence will surely build a brighter future for the chars and ultimately the whole country.
