Education for Blind Children of Bangladesh

Workshop on BERDO Braille Library’ Development and Management

Date: October 22, 2022.

Time: 3.00 PM- 6.00 PM.

Venue: Seminar room of BERDO

Number of participant: 35 Persons.

Method and methodology: Lecture, question and answer, group work and brainstorming.

Facilitator’s name: Mohammad Rasel Hasan

                   IT Teacher

                   VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER for the BLIND VTCB

                   Convener- National ICT Thematic Group

                   Consultant- Society for Disable

Contents:

SL

DISCUSSION

TIME

1

Opening ceremony

3.00- 3.15 PM

2

Workshop paper presentation

3.15- 3.30 PM

3

Need assessment of library

3.30- 3.50 PM

4

Group work

3.50- 4.30 PM

5

Group works presentations

4.30- 4.45 PM

6

Presentation of final recommendations

4.45- 5.00 PM

Workshop on BERDO Braille Library’ Development and Management

Date: October 22, 2022.

Time: 3.00 PM- 6.00 PM.

GUEST PROFILE:

SL

NAME

PROFILE

1

Shahnawaz Dilruba Khan

member (Legal Policy)

Bangladesh Safe Food Authority

2

Md. Dulal Mia

Editing Branch and Editor

National Curriculum and Textbook Board

3

Mosharof Hosen Majumdar

Advocate

Bangladesh Supreme Court

4

Hosneara Begum

advice-giver BERDO

5

Md. Khairul Azam

Deputy Manager

Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd

6

Md. Saidul Haque

Executive Director BERDO

7

Md. Jahangir Alam

President of BERDO

Discussion:

At the opening speech Md. Saidul Huq, Executive Director BERDO:

Said Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization (BERDO) is an NGO that has been working since July 1991 to foster the development of the visual, physical, intellectual, and speech and hearing impairment community in Bangladesh. BERDO creates public awareness about the challenges and capacities of this community, hopefully thereby showing that the disabled are not a burden to society. Using strategies that include group formation, capacity and leadership development, and a "Braille Library", BERDO works to inspire the disabled to seek education and to increase their access to medical care and employment opportunities. The ultimate goal is to integrate people with disabilities into the mainstream of Bangladesh society, ensuring that they enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

Md. Khairul Azam, Deputy Manager, Teletalk Bangladesh Ltd:

Was as a special guest. He said, there is no alternative without knowledge. BERDO's library will be world class. He called for all kinds of accessible software and facilities in the library.

Hosne ara Begum, Treasure BERDO:

Was present as a special guest. She said, BERDO should be taken to your heart. She hope that, BERDO Library become an international library. She requested the students to seek support from other libraries as well for the development of the library. She feels that today's recommendation is practical and timely. She also gave various directions farther more in sequence

Md. Mosharof Hosen Mojundar, Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court:

Was special guest. At the beginning he greeted everyone and said that there was a shortage of braille books during our student life. Now you get school text books. available you will read the book attentively. In the future, you will work in a much bigger place than us. I have known Saidul Haque since childhood. I wish BERDO's well.

Md. Dulal Mia, Editing Branch and Editor, National Curriculum and Textbook Board as a special guest:

He request the students to focus on their studies in his guidance discussion. In his motivational talk, he said, "Even though my father became blind due to compulsion, he didn't stopped". He overcame blindness and lived several more years. He says none of you lose heart. Advance through education and training. I consider myself lucky to be among you in the midst of my busy schedule. I will come again if BERDO call me in future.

Shahnawaz Dilruba Khan, member (Legal Policy) Bangladesh Safe Food Authority:

Was present as the chief guest. She said I have known BERDO for a long time. I am also a pedestrian in BERDO's path. I have personally helped a visually impaired student through his Masters, even recommended him for a job, I hope he will be get a government job. She also said, I will always stand by all disabled people and try to help them.

At the end of the opening ceremony Mr. Jahangir Alam President of BERDO:

Said BERDO has created a "Braille Library" that includes approximately 1500 talking and Braille books for blind students. In the library's there are reading room, tables and tape recorders enable 6 students to study together at one time. Out of BERDO about 10 to 12 students come for study daily. Students may also borrow books; a librarian is present to help the students. In addition, the library has a recording studio where talking books can be created using audiocassettes. As of this writing, 260 books have been created by student volunteers from different educational institutions. The collection is designed to be used for education, knowledge, amusement, and experimentation. Over 200 students are members of this library.

He also said that all of you have come here with a lot of trouble, that’s why BERDO expressing gratitude to you. He said, by giving your thoughtful feedback, you will help make BERDO's library relevant to the times. He requested everyone to participate in the workshop and appealed to Mohammad Russell to start the workshop activities.