Article by Amir Ali, Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre
Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre was delighted to welcome 60 children from local primary schools, to celebrate Bangla Day (Bangla Dibosh) on Monday 25th March 2025.
Pupils from Barnes Junior School and Hudson Road Primary School in Sunderland found out about Bangladesh, its language, colourful festivals, delicious food, music amazing traditions. Children enjoyed learning to write and say their names in Bangla and practising asking with their friends. They did this with me, Amir Ali, and our staff and board members and had fun asking questions about Bangladesh. Children also took part in wearing traditional clothing and jewellery
All pupils were given free Bangladesh fact cards and maps, as well as some Bangla language worksheets, information about the national animal of Bangladesh, the Bengal Tiger, and took part in a quiz. They all received a certificate and a Ramadan pack and activity booklet to take away with them.
We were delighted to have had this opportunity to spend time with the young people of Sunderland and talk to them about Bangla language and culture. We were impressed by their ability and enthusiasm to ask interesting questions about language learning and life in Bangladesh. We were surprised by how quickly they picked up the Bangla words they were taught, and their eagerness try it out with friends.
Overall, the Welcome to the Bangla Day was a resounding success, leaving the children with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for cultural diversity. It was a day filled with joy, learning, and celebration, highlighting the importance of embracing and respecting different cultures.
Amir Ali, Partnership and Engagement Officer, Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre
Further information and links
The Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre is a centre for culture, learning and diversity, a community hub and community anchor bringing diverse communities together to enable, empower and inspire to have a voice. Bringing social changes to our communities and cities. It provides a safe, secure, well managed, attractive and convenient meeting place for the BAME and the wider local community in Sunderland to meet and engage in our activities and services.
Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre provides a venue for social and cultural events, meetings, training, and is well used by a range of voluntary and public sector organisations as avenue for their activities. In addition, the centre runs a range of projects and services that meet local needs.
- You can find out more by visiting the SBIC website here
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