Unique Training on Sustainable Living at ULAB

For the fourth time in a row, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organised its month-long programme “Skills for Life”, starting on July 30 and ending on August 29, 2015. Hundred and twenty-nine recent HSC and A Level graduates took part in this programme. Faculty members of ULAB and members of other renowned institutions took courses on Writing Skills, Computer Skills, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Everyday Law, Disaster Safety, Sustainable Living and few others.

“Skills for Life” is designed to complement the usual knowledge gained from books, and help students become well-rounded thinkers. The curriculum includes materials which are rarely taught in educational institutions; they are mostly designed to show students how to discover their inner strength, set goals, and overcome obstacles in everyday life. The students also receive valuable tips for their desired career paths, social responsibility, savings planning and disaster preparedness. 

Radyah Hassan, a participant from Mangrove School, shared her experience: “This programme taught us things that we really need. The class on statement of purpose helped many of us who wish to apply for universities abroad. The classes on presentation skills were really interesting and memorable, especially as they were taken by G Sumdany Don,” said Radyah.

As a part of the programme, few interactive classes on sustainable living were held on August 20 at the university's permanent campus in Ramchandrapur, Dhaka from 10am to 5pm. The classes were conducted by ULAB faculty members Dr. Hamidul Huq, Dr. Shahana Afrose Chowdhury and Shafiqul Islam. The course specifically focused on areas such as sustainable living/green living, current problems our planet is facing and why sustainable living is important to effectively deal with it, organic farming, and living hand in hand with nature instead of destroying it.

Juditha Ohlmacher, Advisor, ULAB Communications and Student Affairs, spoke about the importance of the course. She said, “We made sustainability a core part of the 'Skills for Life' programme because it is more important to students now than ever. If they don't know how to be concerned or how organic farming works, then they are going to be lost as climate change takes place. It is really essential that the students get this and this is a skill for life.”

The classes were designed as a combination of lectures, group discussions, individual assignments and workshops. Besides being educated about sustainable living/green living, the participants were taught about proper application of knowledge to improve their quality of life. The partakers received first-hand experience on organic farming and were taught how to make organic household compost. The aim of organising these classes was to create a skilled, intelligent and thoughtful generation in order to ensure a greener future for the world.

The programme taught the students valuable lessons that should help make them responsible, all-rounded individuals. The lessons are not only likely to enrich their careers and practical lives but also to help build a more sustainable tomorrow. 

The “Skills for Life” programme was supported by Bangladesh Fire Service, The Daily Star, Bangla Tribune, Colours FM 101.6 and a few departments and centres of ULAB. 

Azman Anju Khan Chowdhury is the founder of Durnibar Foundation, a youth-based non-profit organisation. He loves to spread smiles across the faces of those who are ignored by society. Follow his explorations on fb.com/Azman.Anju.Khan.Chowdhury