Learning, collaboration and growth: Recent PDC highlights at the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka

PDC

The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka’s Professional Development Centre (PDC) hosted several impactful events in September and November for teachers at the Academy and at government schools. These sessions demonstrate the PDC’s dedication to professional development and lifelong learning for educators in Bangladesh. Learn more about the recent events below.  

PDC

Teacher professional development session 

In early September, the PDC delivered a teacher professional development session to 11 teachers from government primary schools as part of the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX) project’s ongoing training series.  

The KIX project – an initiative by the Centre for the Study of Learning and Performance at Concordia University in partnership with the Aga Khan Academies, Wilfred Laurier University and World Vision Canada – aims to improve the English literacy skills of students in their early years in Bangladesh, Rwanda and Kenya. The PDC at the Academy in Dhaka is implementing the KIX project in 13 government primary schools across eight divisions in Bangladesh, which includes working with 13 teachers who support over 800 students. 

The daylong session in September included enriching the participants’ early years comprehension and vocabulary skills and using technology in classrooms, such as the Repository of E-books and Digital Stories (READS) software. The teachers, equipped with these tools, expressed their effectiveness in tracking students’ learning progress. 

“I am feeling more confident now after taking part in the session,” said Mr Aminul Islam, an assistant teacher from Uttar Kafrul, Dhaka. “With the training and technological resources, I will be able to guide my students effectively throughout their early years in the English language.”  

Head of PDC at the Academy, Mr Musle Bhuiyan, emphasised the value of the session and its lasting impact.  

“The KIX project by the Academy’s PDC focuses on building a strong foundation in early grade comprehension skills of government primary school teachers,” Mr Musle said. “We believe this initiative will activate the teachers’ skills of teaching and help them also become lifelong learners.” 

PDC

On 25 November, the PDC also conducted the closing teacher professional development session for five government primary schools under the KIX project to conclude the series. This daylong event brought together teachers and government officials from the Dhaka Division to celebrate the year’s achievements and discuss recommendations for future initiatives. The session, held at the Academy, highlighted the programme's success and its contribution to improving early-grade education. 

Mastering Communication and Time Management  

In September, the PDC organised a certification workshop titled “Mastering Communication and Time Management” for staff at the Academy in Dhaka. Facilitated by Mr Ejazur Rahman, a pioneer trainer in leadership and people development in the Bangladeshi corporate sector with 16 years of experience, the session focused on the significance of time management and communication in an individual’s professional life.  

Mr Rahman shared valuable insights into time management techniques, including planning, scheduling and increasing productivity, along with communication skills through case studies and real-world examples. Participants also engaged in competency-based exercises, feedback sessions and role-play activities to reinforce their learning. 

“We learnt a lot from this session,” said Ms Nargis Razzak, the Academy’s receptionist. “My job is to maintain timely communication with parents and visitors. As I know more about time management and communication now, I can confidently attend to visitors at the front desk. In addition, the certificate will surely contribute to my professional career.” 

Throughout the session, participants also explored practical tools and techniques to deliver the best professional service to parents, students and the Academy community. 

Through these recent initiatives, the PDC at the Academy in Dhaka continues to demonstrate the Aga Khan Academies’ vision of empowering educators, fostering professional growth and driving innovation in education.