By Tohura Khatun Lily from, Rajshahi
A school-level essay competition on “Understanding the Climate Crisis, Imagining a Resilient City: The City We See, the City We Imagine” was held recently at Saidur Rahman School and College in Rajshahi. BARCIK organized the event to give students an opportunity to reflect on their city, its challenges and their vision for a future urban environment.
Around 100 students from grades 7–10 participated. Their essays explored climate change, environmental pollution, education, gender equality, safety, civic services and the kind of city they want to live in.
Students described different visions of a future city. Some imagined a greener city with more trees and less pollution; others emphasized quality education and safe public spaces. Several highlighted the need for women to move freely and participate in society with safety, dignity and respect.
The competition selected first, second and third-place winners from each grade, who received educational materials as prizes. Grade 8 student, Nusrat Jahan Nupur won first place, emphasizing her vision of a green city. Grade 7 student, Tasnia Tabassum Takia highlighted the importance of an education-friendly city, while Grade 8 student, Samiul Al Mahdi emphasized women’s safety, dignity and rights.
School Director and Headteacher Saidur Rahman said such activities encourage students to think beyond textbooks and develop creativity and social responsibility. Assistant Teacher Md. Mehedi Hasan said that essay writing helps students organize and express their ideas independently.
BARCIK Associate Programme Officer Amit Sarkar said the initiative aimed to increase young people’s awareness of climate change and urban challenges while encouraging them to envision safe, green and climate-resilient cities. Associate Programme Officer Tohura Khatun Lily encouraged students to continue expressing their ideas and aspirations.
The students’ essays showed that their vision of a good city extends beyond buildings and infrastructure. They want cities with green spaces, clean environments, quality education, safety, gender equality and dignified living conditions. Creating opportunities for young people to express such ideas can help to bring their perspectives into future discussions on inclusive and climate-resilient urban development.