Hands-on training for job skills

The sixth semester students of Civil Engineering Technology at Oasis Institute for Science and Technology are currently conducting practical classes as part of their Advanced Surveying course under the national curriculum. Through these field-based exercises, students are learning real-world applications of topographic surveying.

The practical sessions are feasible because a generous donation by David, a Canadian donor, enabled purchase of industry-standard surveying technology. His contribution is helping students move beyond textbook learning and gain direct experience in field work.

At OIST, many students come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.  Access to advanced engineering equipment strengthens their technical competence, confidence and employability. Operating modern surveying instruments is an essential competency for civil engineering professionals involved in construction, infrastructure development, road alignment, land surveying, GIS mapping and urban planning.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to David for continuously supporting technical education and empowering the next generation of engineers through his donations. We are grateful to all our donors - your support is helping build skills, dignity, opportunity and a better future.

Jason Spencer-Cooke on giving

1.       Why do you give? Is there something in your family values or personal principles and experiences that inspires your altruism?

For a long time, I have been supporting people who need some help to get ahead. Sometimes these are individuals and sometimes I provide support for groups. My inclination is towards those activities which lead people towards self-sufficiency, through education for example or, better farming methods. I don’t know if I have been influenced by the Bible, but the text from Luke 6-38 resounds: “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete shall it be measured to you again.”

2.       What are your personal experiences and connections to Bangladesh and Oasis for Posterity?

I know Rabiul Islam and his work with Oasis for Posterity through my friendship with Dr. Alimullah Miyan, the founder of IUBAT. Early on, I was working for a United Nations agency to develop training capacity in Dhaka institutions concerned with foreign trade. Miyan, who was then at Dhaka University, impressed me and I invited him to join a “think-tank” for our agency. Later, I supported some early work at IUBAT and thus got to know Miyan's protege, Rabiul. I admired what Miyan was doing for his country’s development; that his student then created an NGO was very inspiring. I admire what Rabiul is now achieving with OfP and want to support that.

3.    Many donors want to create a positive impact with their contributions. What does that impact look like for you?

I give to quite a range of individuals and organisations. Partly this is to do with meaningful personal connections, or what looks to me like a particularly needy case. At other times, it’s money for organisations dealing with health care, or the care of young people experiencing difficulties.

There are so many worthy causes all around us. We are grateful to Jason and many other generous individuals for choosing the Bangladesh Health Project for their valuable contributions of money and time.

First batch of OIST graduates

Rabiul Islam, head of Oasis for Posterity proudly presented news about the first batch of graduates from OIST - Oasis Institute of Science and Technology.

“From OIST, 18 students were eligible for 8th semester or graduation semester examinations. Seven from the Civil Engineering Technology program, and 11 from the Computer Technology program. All the students are waiting for publication of final results. Our motivation to students is ‘Never stop studying after your diploma. Take a job, start earning money, but try to achieve higher degrees so you have a dynamic career throughout your life.’

“A few students are preparing for the national exam so they can qualify for high school teaching jobs (specially two female students from computer technology and one male student from civil engineering). We are providing guidance and will organize coaching sessions. One of our former teachers, who left OIST for a similar job, is also helping them.”

In future blog posts, we will share biographies of the graduates.