Overview

At Riseup Labs, we believe in creating impactful digital solutions that empower communities and build brighter futures. On January 5-6, 2025, we had the privilege of participating in the Primary Grade Teacher Training Workshop, organized under the “Safe Internet and Early Childhood Development“ project in collaboration with Sisimpur and the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) at the Primary Teachers Training Institute (PTI), Dhaka. 

This initiative, funded by the Internet Society Foundation (ISOC), marks a significant stride toward creating a safe and enriching digital environment for young learners in Bangladesh.

A Vision for Digital Safety

Every child deserves a safe and enriching digital space to learn and grow. To make this vision a reality, the “Safe Internet and Early Childhood Development” project aims to create a framework where children, parents, and teachers can confidently navigate the digital world. Moreover, it seeks to empower communities by promoting digital safety practices and awareness.

Key objectives included:

  • Building awareness among children, parents, and educators about safe internet practices.
  • Providing access to secure and resourceful online platforms for educational purposes.
  • Equipping teachers with the necessary skills to integrate internet safety into their curriculum.
  • Promoting collaborative development of innovative solutions for digital safety in education.

Plus, this initiative encompasses over 1,000 government primary schools in the Mymensingh division, creating widespread impact through structured and practical interventions.

The Heart of the Workshop

This two-day teacher training workshop was a pivotal moment in the project’s journey, concentrating on the approval and finalization of the training module for primary grade teachers. 

Designed to empower educators, the module provides practical techniques, tools, and guidelines to incorporate safe internet practices into classroom learning.

Day 1 Highlights

  • Opening Session: The workshop began with a warm welcome from Mohammad Shah Alam, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh. Subsequently, the session continued with insightful speeches by distinguished guests such as Dr. Md. Abdul Hakim (Director General, DPE), who emphasized the importance of safe digital practices for children.
  • Presentations: Riseup Labs presented a software prototype and wireframe, showing its alignment with safe internet practices and digital learning goals.
  • Collaborative Discussions: Interactive group sessions allowed participants to share feedback, refine module content, and propose innovative ideas.

Day 2 Highlights

  • Content Review: Participants evaluated Sisimpur’s audio-visual materials and storybooks to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
  • Digitization Discussions: The workshop also included an overview of the digitization process for the training guide aimed at making it more accessible and user-friendly.
  • Actionable Outcomes: Finally, detailed timelines and roles were established to guide the next implementation phases. Participants assessed feedback collaboratively, ensuring practical applicability in classrooms.

This teacher training workshop was instrumental in shaping the training module into a comprehensive guide that addresses the needs of educators. Furthermore, it focused on creating safe internet practices among young learners, thereby ensuring they have a secure digital space to grow.

Distinguished Guests Who Honored the Event

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests and facilitators, including:

  • Chief Guest: Dr. Md. Abdul Hakim, Director General, Directorate of Primary Education
  • Special Guest: Mohammad Atiqur Rahman, Additional Director General, Directorate of Primary Education
  • Mohammad Shah Alam, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, Sisimpur
  • Abu Said Ansari, Director, Business & Program Development, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh
  • Reza Mahmud Al Huda – Consultant, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh

Key Takeaways for a Brighter Tomorrow

The Teacher Training Workshop laid a robust foundation for implementing safe internet practices in classrooms. Here’s what it achieved:

  • Empowered Educators: Teachers gained access to tools and techniques to promote internet safety in classrooms.
  • Engaged Communities: Plans are underway to involve parents and caregivers through awareness sessions.
  • Enhanced Digital Skills: The module equips teachers with the ability to integrate digital tools seamlessly into their teaching methods.
  • Pathway to Implementation: The team has defined practical steps and timelines to ensure the module’s effective rollout in schools.

This collaborative effort ensures that children will have a safer and more enriching online experience moving forward.

A Word from Our Project Manager

Our very own Rakib Hasan Dipu (Sr. Product  Manager at Riseup Labs), reflecting on the event, remarked:

“This workshop is a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded organizations come together with a shared vision. Indeed, the finalized training module and software wireframe are just the beginning towards creating a safer future for young learners.”

What’s Next for the Teacher Training Workshop?

With the workshop complete, the project is now ready to move into its next phases:

  • Pilot Testing: The training module will be implemented in 100 selected schools in Mymensingh to gather actionable feedback.
  • Master Trainer Workshops: Twelve master trainers will undergo advanced training to cascade knowledge to primary educators.
  • Digitization Completion: The development team will finalize the module’s digital version, including interactive features and user-friendly navigation.
  • Community Engagement: Parenting sessions will be conducted to extend the project’s reach and impact.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous assessments will ensure the program’s effectiveness and scalability.

Be Part of the Change!

At Riseup Labs, we believe that every child deserves a secure digital environment to explore, learn, and grow. This project represents a collective commitment to making the internet a safe and empowering space for young minds.

“Together, we can shape a safer digital future for the next generation. Let’s rise for a cause that truly matters.”

This page was last edited on 4 February 2025, at 10:17 am