Cultural Competition
The joy of going to school was taken away from many students who used school as an escape from harsh impoverished lives due to the closure of schools during the pandemic. The Library Project Team of Agami Education Foundation (AEF) took the initiative to organize the Online Cultural Competition.
147 submissions were made in the following 4 categories: Singing, Art, Writing & Recitation. Amidst this global crisis, Agami tried to encourage these little artists to take this moment to use their talents to stand in the spotlight. It is amazing to see how bright these kids can shine with a small opportunity! The judges who are each renowned in their own field were impressed with the students’ performances. These children have a long road ahead of them, and the Agami family are proud to help them on their journey.
Students sent their work from 11 Agami supported schools located in many different regions of Bangladesh. Despite the challenges of flooding, infrastructure, and access to internet, the students participated with great enthusiasm. Agamir Pathshala, a fully funded Agami school located in the remote village of Sajek, submitted the most artwork. This shows the eagerness of underprivileged kids and how important it is to support their educations and provide a platform to encourage their talents.
All performances were collected during a 10 day period by August 20. Teachers assisted in collecting every piece of art, performance and writing from the students and sending them to the volunteers of the respective schools. Without their help, the logistics of collecting the submissions would have been impossible. All items were compiled and prepared to be presented to the judges. The evaluation and winner announcement of the events took place on Facebook live. Each judge evaluated the works of their respective categories and announced winners. Agami thanks the judges for the valuable time they spent for underprivileged children. Story writing was evaluated prior to the event and art was judged through public vote using social media.
Judges
Anannya Goswami, Assistant Editor in “The Daily Prothom Alo” and executive member of Kanthashilon, avid poetry enthusiast
Abu Hassan, one of the three Agami founders, avid poetry enthusiast
Bishajit Roy, singer and part-time teacher in Kazi Nazrul Islam University
Dipro Nishanto, singer, Chhayanaut graduate in Rabindra Sangeet and currently a student of Ashit Dey
For the 4 events, with 2 categories in each one, a total of 24 winners were selected for the competition. The competition concluded by congratulating all the participants for their participation and sending prizes to the winners.
