Education Fair
On 28 November, 2025 Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) organized a vibrant and engaging Education Fair that brought together around 200 participants from various community groups nurtured by ECDO. The fair became a powerful platform for sharing experiences, celebrating community strengths, and reflecting on the progress made through ECDO’s continuous support.
The fair was a collaborative effort, jointly organized by community members along with different groups such as Cha Sramik Nari Mancha (A women tea-worker platform), Tea-garden Theatre Team, Community Youth Volunteer Team, SALT (Support, Appreciate, Listen, Transfer) Group, Students Group, and ECDO-trained Volunteer Health Worker Group. Participants from Doldoli, Keawachera, Hiluachera, Lackatoorah and Malnichera tea-garden along with Patro community people attended the event. The presence of the Community Panchayet Leaders added significant value to the program, as they appreciated the work done by ECDO and encouraged everyone to remain united in their efforts. Throughout the event, group representatives shared their learning, stories, and experiences of working directly with the communities. Their reflections highlighted the challenges faced in the field as well as the positive changes that are steadily taking place due to collective action and continuous engagement.
A key highlight of the event was the cultural and educational sharing by the participants. The Drama Team performed a powerful theatrical act that portrayed community realities and emphasized unity, awareness, and cultural identity. In addition, community members performed songs in different indigenous languages, filling the atmosphere with cultural pride and deep emotional connection. These performances illustrated how cultural expression strengthens identity and motivates communities to preserve their heritage.
During the learning-sharing session, each group described the impact of their work. The Youth Volunteer Team reflected on their efforts in conducting awareness activities, mobilizing young people, supporting education initiatives, and encouraging positive behavioral change across the community. The SALT Group shared the experiences they gained through the SALT-CLCP approach, explaining how their work in language preservation and cultural revival is helping local communities rediscover pride in their identity. Members of Nari Mancha spoke about the strengthening of women’s leadership and their increasing confidence in participating in decision-making processes within their communities.
The Students Group expressed their deep appreciation to ECDO for its continued support in their education journey. Several students shared success stories about their admission to college, emphasizing the role ECDO played in guiding, motivating, and supporting them through the process. Their testimonies reflected not only personal achievement but also the broader positive impact of ECDO’s educational initiatives on indigenous youth.
The Health Group, trained by ECDO, also presented the knowledge they have gained on reproductive health, adolescent reproductive health, and maternal health. They explained how they are using this training to create awareness among women, adolescents, and families in the community. Their reflections showed how proper knowledge and volunteer-led health education are contributing to healthier behaviors and more informed community decision-making.
The Education Fair concluded with a strong collective message. All groups expressed their desire to continue working together and their shared commitment to building a better, more united community. The enthusiasm and sense of ownership displayed by the participants demonstrated the true success of the event. It was not only an opportunity to share experiences, but also a celebration of collaboration, cultural identity, and community-driven development.
The 28 November Education Fair stands as a significant milestone for ECDO. It reflected the organization’s holistic approach, combining education, cultural preservation, health awareness, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment. With dedicated leadership from Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh and active participation from community members and volunteers, the event strengthened relationships, encouraged collaboration, and inspired all groups to continue their journey toward creating an inclusive and empowered community.
The program was led by Mr. Lakshmikanta Singh, Executive Director of ECDO, who encouraged all participants to work collectively toward building a more empowered, educated, and resilient community. The entire event was conducted by Ms. Tasnim Chowdhury, Project Coordinator of ECDO and Mr. Momtahinur Rahman Chowdhury from ECDO team whose facilitation created an inclusive environment where every group could participate confidently.
