Inter-School Science Fair 2024: Inspiring Young Minds in Kushtia

The Inter-School Science Fair 2024, organized by the rights-based development organization FAIR, successfully took place on December 29-30, 2024, at Sahityik Mir Mosharraf Hossain Secondary School in Kushtia. This two-day event brought together 30 science clubs from 30 secondary schools in Kushtia Sadar Upazila, aiming to develop the next generation as creative, innovative, and science-minded leaders.

Objective of the Science Fair

The Inter-School Science Fair 2024 was organized to achieve these key objectives:

• Foster students’ innovative thinking and creativity

• Foster an interest in science and technology and their practical applications.
• Create a platform where youth can share knowledge, showcase their talents, and develop critical skills for the future.

Events at the Science Fair

The inter school science fair offered a wide range of engaging and educational activities:

• Procession and Inaugural Ceremony: Students and faculty participated in a vibrant opening procession.
• Science Project and Wall Magazine Exhibitions: Showcased creative student projects and science-themed wall magazines.
• Debate and Quiz Competitions: Engaging competitions that tested students’ knowledge and communication skills.

• Seminar: Discussions focused on sustaining science clubs in schools and their role in educational development.
• Cultural Programs: Students performed songs, dances, poetry recitations, and comedic acts, adding excitement and joy to the fair.
• Student Services: Complimentary blood grouping tests, pithas (traditional cakes), and unlimited coffee and tea were provided to participants and visitors.

Collaborators and Sponsors

FAIR organized the Inter-School Science Fair 2024 with the generous support of the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation. Key collaborators included:

Sponsors and Support:

• Sponsors:
  • AK Azad & Co. (Chartered Accountants): Provided lunch, breakfast, traditional snacks (pitha), tea and coffee, and prize crests.
  • Winsome Mode Ltd.: Contributed T-shirts.
  • Agami Prokashoni: Supplied books for the event.
• Support for Specific Activities:
  • Sankalp Youth Organization: Facilitated blood group testing services.
  • Kushtia Debating Society: Organized and conducted the debate competition.

Special gratitude was expressed to AK Azad & Co., which provided breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks for all participants and attendees.

Opening Ceremony: A Grand Start

The event was presided over by Ms. Tajnihar Begum, Vice-Chairman of FAIR. Dewan Akhtaruzzaman, Director of FAIR, delivered the welcome speech, while other notable speakers included Salahuddin Khan, the fair convener and headmaster of Dinmoni Secondary School, Ekramul Hossain, Headmaster of Harinarayanpur Girls’ School and Mir Firoza Bulbul, headmaster of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Secondary School.

Notable Guests and Speeches

Chief Guest’s Address: Professor Dr. Naqib Muhammad Nasrullah, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University

“This inter school science fair serves as an exceptional platform for our students to express their creativity and present innovative concepts. FAIR’s initiative has provided a venue where young minds can exchange ideas and draw inspiration for future endeavors. Islamic University is proud to support such initiatives and welcomes students to explore our science laboratories for deeper learning.”

Speeches by Distinguished Guests

• Md. Abdul Latif Sheikh, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services: “Science is the engine driving global progress. Events like this expand students’ horizons and encourage them to lead advancements in science and technology. I hope these young innovators will transform their ideas into impactful contributions to society.”
• Professor Sarwar Morshed Ratan, Department of Bengali, Islamic University: “Science is not merely a subject; it is the foundation of innovation and progress. This fair inspires students to think critically and creatively, paving the way for a brighter future.”
• Md. Shamim Ahmed Khan, Upazila Secondary Education Officer: “The Science Fair fosters a new perspective among students, empowering them to solve problems creatively and equipping them to become active contributors to the nation’s development.”
• Abdul Jalil Khan, Former Acting Headmaster, Harinarayanpur Bahumukhi High School: “Creating an environment for science education and research is essential for progress. This fair demonstrates how science and innovation can transform young minds into future leaders.”
• Jamil Rashid, Former Headmaster, Harinarayanpur Bahumukhi High School: “Today’s young innovators hold great promise. The Science Fair provides a powerful platform for them to showcase their creativity and contribute to scientific research and development in the future.”
• Sazzadur Rahman Chowdhury, Executive Director, Bangladesh Freedom Foundation: ” Our students are the pioneers of innovation. The creative projects showcased here prove their potential to solve real-world problems through science and technology. I commend FAIR for this impactful initiative.”

Highlights of Student Contributions

• Niels Bohr Science Club President, Jerin Zaman Prema: “Our club empowers students to bring their ideas to life, turning their creativity into impactful projects.”
• Discovery Science Club President, Zubair Hossain: “This fair encourages students to dream big, innovate, and use technology to contribute to the nation’s progress.”
• Fabiya Binte Faruk, Ibn Sina Science Club: “FAIR’s initiative is inspiring us to expand our scientific knowledge and continue developing innovative projects.”

Seminar: Sustaining Science Clubs

A seminar titled “Role of Schools in Making Science Clubs Sustainable” was a key highlight on the second day of the science fair. It was chaired by Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Chief Advisor of FAIR, and moderated by Dewan Akhtaruzzaman, FAIR Director.

Chief Guest’s Speech:

• Professor Molla Md. Ruhul Amin, Principal of Kushtia Government College, emphasized the need for structured management and laboratory facilities to sustain science clubs. He highlighted that sustaining science clubs is achievable through teamwork and effective management practices.

Guest of Honor Speech Speech:

• Professor Iqbal Hossain, former Principal of Amla College, stressed, “Planned initiatives are essential to make science club activities fruitful. Teachers and students must collaborate to achieve success.”
• Shamim Ahmed Khan, Kushtia Sadar Upazila Secondary Education Officer, pledged the support of the education office to maintain the sustainability of science clubs.
• Salauddin Khan, Headmaster of Dinmani Secondary School, remarked, “Despite resource constraints, sincere efforts can make science clubs sustainable.”

Welcome Speech:

• Dewan Akhtaruzzaman, Director of FAIR: “This seminar is a call to action for schools, educators, and students to collaborate in strengthening science clubs. Together, we can nurture a culture of innovation and exploration

Chairperson’s Address:

• Md. Nazrul Islam, Advisor of FAIR: “The Inter-School Science Fair 2024 has inspired students to think beyond textbooks. Sustaining this momentum requires a collective effort from schools and organizations.”

Student Perspectives:

The seminar also featured insights from student leaders:

• Electron Science Club President SK Swarup Diganta: “Marginal schools lack resources and encouragement for science education. FAIR’s initiatives create opportunities that we must sustain through school and community collaboration.”
• Rutherford Science Club President Nusrat Jahan Sharmin: “By making science clubs permanent, we can foster new members and volunteers to strengthen school activities and science education.”
• Ibn Sina Science Club President Fabia Binte Farooq: “FAIR’s programs have motivated us to engage in creative projects. Schools should expand educational opportunities and support science clubs to maintain high standards.”
• Niels Bohr Science Club President Jerin Zaman Prema: “Self-sustained science clubs enable us to innovate and grow. Volunteering in knowledge-driven initiatives ensures success across academic and practical areas.”
• Galileo Science Club President Abdullah-Al Mahin: “Every student holds immense potential. Schools should take responsibility for their science clubs to unlock opportunities for innovation and leadership.”

Closing and Award Ceremony: Key Highlights

The grand Inter-School Science Fair 2024, organized by FAIR in collaboration with the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation, concluded with a closing and award distribution ceremony on the second day of the science fair at kushtia. This momentous event celebrated the talent, innovation, and creativity of young minds, bringing the community together in the pursuit of scientific excellence

The ceremony was graciously chaired by Mr. Md. Salahuddin Khan, convener of the Inter-School Science Fair-2024 and Headmaster of Dinmani Secondary School. The event commenced with an inspiring inaugural speech by FAIR Director Dewan Akhtaruzzaman and welcoming remarks by:

• Mr. Rezaul Karim, Acting Principal of Afsar Uddin Fazil Girls Madrasa
• Mr. Md. Shamsul Alam, Headmaster of Lakshmipur Hasanbagh Secondary Girls School
• Jerin Jahan Prema, President of Niels Bohr Science Club
• Abdullah Al Mahin, President of Galileo Science Club

Guest of Honor Speech Speech:

1. Md. Partha Pratim Shil, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Kushtia Sadar:“Motivating students towards the advancement of science and technology is essential. This science fair is a testament to the creativity and innovative spirit of our youth. Development in every sector cannot be achieved by the government alone. Initiatives like these are vital for national progress. I thank FAIR for organizing this inspiring event and hope it instills a sense of responsibility and scientific curiosity in our future leaders.”
2. Sazzadur Rahman Chowdhury, Executive Director, Bangladesh Freedom Foundation: “Our young minds have proven their capability to address real-world challenges through science and technology. It is essential to support initiatives that nurture their talents.”
3. Md. Shamim Ahmed Khan, Upazila Secondary Education Officer: “The projects and activities at this fair reflect the transformative power of science education. Let us continue to provide platforms that inspire students to innovate and lead.”

Chairperson’s Remarks:

1. Salahuddin Khan, Convener of the fair, expressed gratitude to all participants and sponsors, saying:“This event has demonstrated the boundless potential of our students. We are committed to continuing this journey of inspiring innovation.”

Student Feedback:

3. Abdullah Al Mahin, President of Galileo Science Club, stated: “Participating in this fair has been a transformative experience. It has inspired us to dream big and work towards meaningful scientific contributions.”

Award Distribution and Celebrations

The ceremony culminated in a celebratory distribution of prizes to winners across various categories, recognizing their remarkable contributions and innovative projects. The event not only highlighted the competitive spirit but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork among students.

Impact and Conclusion

The Inter-School Science Fair 2024 was a resounding success, blending education, creativity, and cultural expression. It provided a platform for students to explore, innovate, and excel, reinforcing the importance of science and technology in shaping the future. FAIR, with the support of its collaborators, continues to pave the way for educational excellence and innovation in Kushtia.