Amidst a series of tumultuous events since mid-2024, Bangladesh has shown remarkable resilience. An unprecedented movement leading to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, a noticeable absence of traffic personnel on the streets, and the catastrophic floods that have swept through Feni and beyond have left the nation facing considerable challenges. Yet, amidst this turmoil, there is hope. Ordinary citizens have banded together to take action, demonstrating the immense impact of community service and solidarity. From students stepping up to manage traffic to collective fundraising and donation efforts for flood victims, the spirit of Bangladesh’s people prevails. It has never been more evident that the power of community is essential to overcoming adversity and driving positive change.
The Impact of Community Action in Times of Crisis
Even when authorities fall short, the actions of everyday citizens can truly make a difference when disasters strike, and this is a fact that can be seen worldwide. From locals uniting to combat bushfires in Australia to neighbours supporting one another after an earthquake, community efforts often serve as the first line of defence. This approach not only benefits society but also instills a sense of belonging and accountability. It creates an environment where people are not bystanders but active participants, with hands-on involvement being a top priority.
Empathy and Social Awareness
Enhancing our understanding of the world and building our empathy are just a couple of the benefits that come with community service involvement. For instance, lending a hand at places like orphanages or shelters allows us to experience firsthand the struggles faced by those who don’t have a stable home, deepening our compassion and broadening our perspective. As political unrest persisted after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh, the Muslim community banded together to protect temples and churches which were at risk – a powerful testament to unity and empathy in action. These experiences not only encourage understanding but also remind us of the importance of appreciating our own privileges and sharing them with others.
Many organisations offer programmes where volunteers work with underprivileged children to support their education, addressing the significant disparity in learning opportunities across socioeconomic groups. Engaging in this type of community service contributes to closing this gap while also encouraging us to critically examine the challenges we witness. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts further reinforces the idea that each person has the power to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.
Incorporating community service into the education system of Bangladesh can significantly encourage its practice among younger generations.
Civic Engagement
Civic engagement leads to participation in local governance, advocacy, and decision-making processes. While not everyone will become a politician, every citizen should be able to hold their leaders and government accountable and advocate for policies that meet the needs of society. Community service helps us understand those needs.
We often idealise Western practices that may not be well-suited to the context of Bangladesh. However, there is one practice that we can adopt: incorporating community service into the judicial system. In the USA, for example, minor offenders are sometimes required to perform community service as part of their sentence, such as cleaning up parks or volunteering at food banks. This not only benefits the community but also gives criminals an opportunity to make amends, promoting a sense of responsibility and reintegrating them into society.
Personal Growth
In addition to serving society, there are ample opportunities for personal growth through community service. Volunteering allows individuals to acquire new skills and gain valuable experience. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone aids in the development of leadership and public speaking abilities. It also fosters teamwork, which proves beneficial in academic and professional pursuits.
Moreover, volunteering provides a wealth of knowledge. For instance, those who volunteer at autism centres gain an understanding of neurological conditions, which improves their ability to work with children with special needs. Environmental clean-up efforts not only contribute to the well-being of local ecosystems but also offer insights into sustainability, environmental policies, and the significance of conservation. Such experiences boost confidence and enhance problem-solving skills, attributes that hold value in personal and professional contexts.
Let us also not overlook the fact that helping others imparts a sense of purpose and meaning. The satisfaction derived from making a difference, no matter how small, is truly invaluable.
Community Service in Education
Incorporating community service into the education system of Bangladesh can significantly encourage its practice among younger generations. Integrating initiatives such as supporting the elderly, assisting disadvantaged communities, and helping traffic police into the curriculum can provide students with hands-on experience in making a positive impact on society. It is both feasible and scalable, as evidenced by the successful student-led fundraising efforts for the August 2024 floods.
Going beyond traditional classroom learning, this approach enables students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. In today’s competitive landscape, academic achievement alone is insufficient to secure the best opportunities. Extracurricular activities have become increasingly important, and formalising community service initiatives ensures that students’ contributions are recognised and valued. For instance, in Singapore, the Ministry of Education enforces the Community Involvement Programme, which obliges students to participate in community service activities throughout their schooling years. Students engage in diverse initiatives, including assisting the elderly, supporting underprivileged communities, and engaging in environmental conservation projects. By providing a structured platform for such initiatives, we can empower students to become compassionate, socially responsible, and well-rounded individuals ready to tackle future challenges.
The power of community service lies in its capacity to bring about positive change, both for individuals and society as a whole. As more students take action, a clear message is being sent: the youth of Bangladesh is prepared and eager to serve
In urban areas of Bangladesh, students have greater access to internships, volunteer opportunities, and extracurricular programmes that enhance their college applications, primarily for foreign universities and career prospects. Conversely, students in rural areas or from less privileged backgrounds may struggle to find similar opportunities, despite being equally or even more motivated. By establishing a system that allows all students to earn extracurricular activity points through structured volunteer work, we level the playing field. Whether a student is organising a traffic management initiative in Dhaka or leading a tree-planting campaign in a remote village, their efforts would be universally recognised and rewarded.
That being said, it is crucial to ensure that these community service activities are not pursued solely for the sake of obtaining a certificate. Therefore, the education system must emphasise a genuine desire to help and a sense of responsibility.
The power of community service lies in its capacity to bring about positive change, both for individuals and society as a whole. As more students take action, a clear message is being sent: the youth of Bangladesh is prepared and eager to serve.