BRAC University team attends OSUN-sponsored course

Three undergraduate students and two recent graduates of BRAC University attended an 11-day “Civic Engagement: Student as Citizen” course hosted by Central European University (CEU) in Budapest from 4 July 2023 under an Open Society University Network (OSUN) scholarship for CEU Summer University.

The course provided a platform for aspiring changemakers to explore, share, and develop visionary projects aimed at creating a positive social impact and engage in meaningful conversations about civic responsibility, social justice, and global change. Comprising lectures, workshops, discussions, and reflections, the course was designed to enhance skills, broaden perspectives and empower participants to be active citizens in their respective communities. The course was co-taught by GenEd faculty Prof Syed M Hashemi, PhD alongside other distinguished faculty members from OSUN member institutions.

Of the students, Sadia Mahmud, in her final year majoring in computer science and engineering (CSE), showcased her project which centers on inclusivity. Her proposal focused on amplifying the voices of children born to sex workers, who face discrimination due to their mothers' profession. Sadia's passion for embracing and promoting inclusion resonated deeply as she shed light on the struggles these children face and the societal barriers they must overcome.

Fahim Abrar, an undergraduate student studying law, presented a project aimed at empowering the Bihari community in Bangladesh. The Bihari community, a linguistic minority group, has historically faced significant obstacles to education and social integration. Fahim's proposal seeks to provide educational opportunities to this marginalized community, offering a path to a brighter future.

Sekyanzi Ismail, another law student, echoed the sentiment of empowerment through education. He discussed strategies to bring hope and education to children who lack access to formal learning environments, aiming to ignite a sense of possibility and opportunity in their lives.

Sreya Sanyal Puja, a CSE graduate, showcased her research on improving healthcare access for marginalized women in Bangladesh. Her prototype, which combines AI, human-computer interaction, and community engagement, aims to provide crucial health services and advice regarding sexual and reproductive health.

Srijan Banik, also a CSE graduate and Founder of Social Impact Lab at BRAC University, shared his goal of expanding the lab's reach to establish a global network to unite students from across the world in a movement for positive change, breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration.