PROMOTING A KNOWLEDGE-BASED SOCIETY

bKash Limited believes that a well-read population fosters enlightenment and develops broader intellectual faculties, which are essential for progress. Therefore, boosting Bangladesh's global competitiveness doesn't lie just in its doctrines or policies, but in books. While bricks build infrastructure, books cultivate intellect. School textbooks enhance knowledge, but age-appropriate books-such as biographies, science fiction, travel narratives, and novels-further enrich learning. Engaging with books of diverse subjects and textbooks fosters creativity, ignites a passion for innovation, and builds confidence, ultimately promoting personal growth and a desire to become exemplary individuals.

 

bKash Limited has been promoting personal enlightenment and development of students by initiating a book reading program in partnership with Biswa Sahitto Kendra (BSK) in schools and colleges since 2014. The program is executed with the theme age faefo (Enlightened People, Developed Bangladesh). It focuses on distributing books of diverse subjects and monitoring their use to inspire students' imaginations, knowledge, and boost their self-confidence. BSK, with the support of teachers, has developed an innovative curriculum for book reading that encompasses students aged 11 to 18. This program, spearheaded by bKash, promotes sustainability by providing updates on student progress and distributing new books to schools. Over the last twelve years, bKash has handed over approximately 400,000 books, positively impacting around 3.3 million readers across 3,000 educational institutions. Students are encouraged to explore 126 age-appropriate books, which helps them gain insights into various fields of knowledge. Every year, bKash distributes roughly 40,000 books, adds 100 new institutions, and reaches remote areas, while motivating students through messages from influential and eminent personalities about the value of reading.

 

 

 

 

This initiative has demonstrated significant and enduring benefits for students, validating its success. Research conducted by the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD), a division of the Ministry of Public Administration, and the World Bank indicates that students utilizing these additional resources outperform those who do not in exams, debates, science fairs, and essay competitions.

 

An educated and skilled youth population can significantly enhance productivity across all sectors. With a sense of individual intellect and pride, the youth of Bangladesh can revolutionize their nation in just a decade or so. In line with this goal, bKash remains steadfast in promoting programs that focus on intellectual faculty, skill development, and capacity building, fostering an inclusive and knowledge-driven community.