by Iffat Ara Sharmeen,
October 23, 2024
On October 16, 2024, Friendship School students celebrated Global Dignity Day, echoing the powerful voice of dignity and the impact of shared humanity in an unjust world.
In a time of global polarisation and discrimination, today’s youth have emerged as a beacon of dignity. They demand equal rights and opportunities for a dignified life for all, much like the founders of Global Dignity, who believed in this dream since 2009. Friendship works along those lines as well, creating dignity, hope, and opportunities for those who need it most. Global Dignity Day always observed the inherent value of all humans. On this special day, like on many previous years, Friendship celebrated the inherent worth of the younger generation, who are poised to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Dignity for All
Inequality is often the result of neglect by authorities and other mainstream communities, stemming from geo-logistical and socioeconomic issues. For 22 years, Friendship has been serving marginalised communities, implementing initiatives in health, climate action, inclusive citizenship, sustainable development, cultural preservation, and education, helping them achieve a life with hope and dignity and bridging inequality.
Friendship Schools have been successfully providing primary and secondary education to children from the char communities. Every year, the schools celebrate Global Dignity Day.
This year, Global Dignity Day was proudly celebrated across all Friendship primary and secondary schools from 16 October onwards. Students, teachers, and parents took part in rallies, drawing competitions, and discussions along with 288 School Management Committee members at the event. An additional 1500 students, teachers, parents, and members from the Assistant Thana Education Office (ATEO) across 4 government primary schools joined the Global Dignity Day celebrations hosted by Friendship Schools. This inter-school initiative was supported by Friendship’s Inclusive Citizenship sector to inspire students to look beyond differences and embrace the spirit of sharing and caring.
Through the Global Dignity Day celebrations, young people were inspired to live their lives with respect, empathy, and understanding their own value. Through rallies, art, and speech, the movement emphasised the need for compassion and support early on in life.
Global Dignity Day with Those Left Behind
Friendship also celebrated Global Dignity Day with Rohingya communities in Thaingkhali, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. 6,000 learners and 100,000 others attended the celebrations. Global Dignity Day celebrations also extended to the Paris Saint Germain – KLABU Sports Clubhouse on 27 October. Students took part in the drawing competitions and drew their perspectives on dignity. Parents and teachers discussed the topic of dignity along with the students.
Friendship’s Year-Round Advocacy for Dignity
Friendship does not just promote dignity on a single day for a select group of people. The organisation works year-round to promote the virtue of dignity through various initiatives.
Friendship Schools, while following the national curriculum, also teach a Code of Ethics that promotes good citizenship, community involvement, and awareness of local issues, with dignity being a key theme. Throughout the year, 4,382 students received the Code of Ethics lessons, followed by home visits and telecommunication follow ups to promote dignity. A Code of Ethics newsletter is also shared with corporate organisations and other academic institutions, through which the message of dignity reached more than 10,000 people.
The message of dignity is instilled in the working areas of Friendship, including health clinics, community sessions, and its signature hospital ships, reaching around 195,000 people this year. Friendship founder Runa Khan, board member of Global Dignity and Country Chair of Global Dignity Bangladesh also promoted the concept of dignity as a speaker throughout the year in various national and international events, addressing more than 2,500 people so far. More than 50,000 people were reached through campaigns on dignity in traditional and electronic media.
When hope and opportunities are given to those left behind, they can realise their worth and potential. They can appreciate and empower one another. Dignity is a universal value that should be recognised by one another, which can further empower an entire community forward. Together, they can build a future where dignity shines in every community, and compassion sheds away all ego and inequalities.
