First cohort of Teacher Preparation Programme fellows graduate at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka   

The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka hosted a graduation ceremony for its first batch of Teacher Preparation Programme (TPP) fellows, marking a pivotal step towards elevating the quality of education in Bangladesh. 

As part of the Aga Khan Academies mission to strengthen the profession of teaching within the countries it operates in, the TPP is an 18-month programme offered through each Academy’s Professional Development Centre (PDC). It identifies talented local educators and trains them to become International Baccalaureate (IB) certified teachers, who are recruited as teachers at the Academy upon successfully completing the programme. To ensure the quality and standards of the programme, the Academies also collaborate with the University of British Columbia, which assesses the TPP and provides external validation and oversight.  

Participants underwent rigorous and hands-on training, with the cohort from the Academy in Dhaka spending 18 months at the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, where they were paired with an experienced mentor. Once they returned to the Academy in Dhaka, the fellows applied their learnings and unique international insights to build on more inclusive and student-led IB education in Bangladesh.   

"It feels great to be at the Academy in Hyderabad,” said Tabassum Binte Jamal, a TPP fellow. “The amicable teachers, staff and a bunch of exuberant children are helping me to become part of an excellent educational institute. The captivating campus and cultural diversity are helping me become more pluralistic as an educator and hence, a teacher.”        

The ceremony celebrating the TPP graduates was graced by Mr Mohammad Ariful Hoque, the director general (joint secretary) of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, who served as the chief guest and highlighted the programme's significance. 

“It is wonderful to see young fellows passionate in teaching being facilitated by the TPP,” Mr Hoque said. “I perceive this as a great investment for the future. Because you, the fellows, will create future leaders. Our time has been served already. Now, it’s your turn to take the lead. Always work hard up to the commitment you have promised to serve.”        

TPP is working to attract young and talented freshers to take teaching as a profession. This initiative helps fellows to realise their true potential in educating and creates a long-lasting commitment that adds much value to ensuring quality education at the national level.        

“The TPP is working to add value to the nation’s education system by attracting young, talented individuals to the teaching profession,” said Head of Academy Suvina Shunglu. “The rigorous selection of talented teachers and supporting them to grow in the global network of Academies will help us produce exceptional students who will serve their community.”     

Collaborative efforts between the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka, governmental bodies, educational institutions and community stakeholders have been essential in ensuring the success of the Teacher Preparation Programme. The Academy is looking forward to continuing this programme and other initiatives to enhance the quality of teaching in Bangladesh.