Reflective Teens (RT) is a Bangladesh-based non-profit organization established in 2013, dedicated to empowering under-resourced schools throughout the country by designing innovative solutions to address their challenges. Recognizing the significant gap in resources and opportunities available to students in these schools, RT aims to bridge this gap by initiating an Arts Focused Community Fellowship. This program will engage students from renowned institutions in teaching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) skill sets to students in under-resourced schools.
Background
Under-resourced schools in Bangladesh often struggle to provide even the most basic educational resources, such as classrooms and teachers. These schools typically lack the capacity to offer a broad range of subjects, particularly in the arts and other extracurricular activities. As a result, students miss out on critical opportunities to develop a well-rounded education, which includes creative and innovative thinking skills that are crucial for their overall development and future success.
Objective
The primary objective of RT Community Teaching Fellowship is to:
- Empower students from under-resourced schools with STEAM skillsets.
- Foster a sense of community and social responsibility among students from renowned institutions.
- Enhance the quality of education and holistic development of students in under-resourced schools.
- Promote innovative and creative thinking through arts and extracurricular activities.
Program Structure
- Application and Selection Process
- Application: Students from grades 10 to 12 in renowned institutions will apply for the fellowship through a Google Form. The application will require essays and a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Selection: A panel will review the applications and conduct interviews to select the cohort of fellows.
- Training Program
- Training: Selected fellows will undergo a two-week training program on pedagogy at the Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Chittagong. This training will equip them with the necessary teaching skills and methodologies.
- Certification and Benefits: Fellows will receive a training certificate, a recommendation letter, and a fulfilling teaching experience. These benefits will enhance their future academic and professional prospects.
- Placement and Teaching
- Placement: Fellows will be assigned to under-resourced schools based on their convenient locations and skill sets.
- Teaching Commitment: Each fellow will commit to teaching part-time, dedicating a minimum of 5 hours per week for the duration of the fellowship.
Expected Outcomes
– Improved STEAM competencies among students in under-resourced schools.
– Increased engagement and interest in arts and creative subjects.
– Enhanced teaching and leadership skills among the fellows.
– Strengthened community ties and a collaborative spirit between different socio-economic groups.
Conclusion
RT Community Teaching Fellowship is an innovative initiative by Reflective Teens aimed at bridging the educational gap in under-resourced schools. By leveraging the talents and resources of students from renowned institutions, this program will provide invaluable opportunities for holistic development and creative learning to those who need it the most. Through this fellowship, RT aspires to create a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape in Bangladesh.