To create an affordable, calm, creative and collaborative space for students embarking on their higher education journey

Julia DeMeo and Jitse van Ameijde, The Open University, UK with past and present students from The Batayon Pathagar, Bangladesh 

Emails: julia.demeo@open.ac.uk; j.van.ameijde@open.ac.uk            

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Abstract

In the heart of Bangladesh a sustainable educational establishment beats a strong rhythm in the community. Batayon Pathagar’s aim is to create an affordable, calm, creative and collaborative space for students embarking on their higher education journey.

Batayon Pathagar provides innovative pedagogy to over 200 students through the provision of multiple facilities with library working at its centre. Student voices will be heard during the presentation highlighting career and academic successes.

First steps onto the pathway start with a new library facility for children opened in December 2021 providing a programme of work for children such as coding skills. The journey can take them right through school age to the higher education provided for older students in existing buildings.

Key employability skills identified by The Open University in its Employability Framework such as global citizenship; digital and information literacy and problem solving are taught using online and offline learning creating an effective development route for students who would otherwise fall outside the system.

This study may also touch upon community pedagogy in Ohio, USA, where considerations such as family poverty, lack of funding and local environments also impact; potentially enabling identification and sharing of potential solutions.