Congratulations to IUBAT BScN graduate

 Rubel Hossain, lecturer at IUBAT College of Nursing, writes: Tamanna Akter grew up in a rural village in south-eastern Bangladesh. After completing high school, she followed her dream to our College of Nursing to pursue a BSc in Nursing (BSN). She comments on this experience:

"IUBAT supported both my academic and professional growth. The medium of instruction, English, helped me a lot and the nursing curriculum improved my critical thinking skills. I am thankful to Professor Dr. M. Alimullah Miyan, who encouraged me to build my career globally, to the IUBAT nursing faculty and also Dr. Karen Lund and our visiting faculty for motivating me to improve my knowledge, skills, and confidence."

Tamanna completed her BScN in December 2019 and went on to complete a master’s in public health from Daffodil International University. She worked as a lecturer at Universal Nursing College and STS Nursing College. Recently, Tamanna achieved a major milestone by passing the NCLEX-RN Exam and becoming licensed with the New York State Board of Nursing.

Reflecting on her journey, Tamanna shared: "Preparing for the NCLEX while taking care of my two babies and managing family life was very challenging. I thank Almighty Allah for keeping my hope alive. I believed I could succeed, and was fortunate to have my husband’s support, taking care of our children while I studied." IUBAT College of Nursing is so proud of Tamanna Akter’s achievement. Her professional journey to nurse registration in USA is an inspiration to all our students!

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.