IGNITE-ing Sylhet

Winners of the divisional round with the organisers. Photo: Darshan Chakma

The first divisional finale of IGNITE, a secondary school-based project of Grameenphone and The Daily Star, was held in Sylhet on May 16. Students from different schools of Sylhet took part in the finale held at Scholarshome School and College in the city.
After months of campaign and activation in schools, the main competition started last Friday morning, with the participants gathering at the venue along with their projects and concept papers. The competition was divided in three categories: Discover Science, Idea Flight (Junior and Senior), and Imagine the Future. Students of classes VI-VIII participated in Discover Science category, and students of classes VI-VIII and IX-X participated in Idea Flight category in two groups. However, Imagine the Future was open only to students of classes IX-X.  
In the first category, students participated in an MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) quiz. Idea Flight featured presentation of term papers from the students, while Imagine the Future was the display of futuristic science and technology-based projects designed to assess students' creativity and scientific knowledge.
Mostafa Kamal Ahmed, a participant at the competition, said, “It is a great initiative to bring all science and technology enthusiasts under a single platform. It'll encourage interest in science-based education.”   
Sakib Ahmed from Ananda Niketan won the first prize in Discover Science category; Mumtahina Tasnim Purno from Sylhet Agragami Girls High School won the first prize in Imagine the Future category; Arup Dey from Hajrat Shahporan High School and Syeda Iqina Afzal and her group from Scholarshome School and College won first prizes in Idea Flight Senior and Junior categories respectively.
A four-member jury panel -- formed by Mukammel Wahid, Head of CSE Department , Metropolitan University; Enamul Haque Talat, Assistant Professor, EEE, Metropolitan University; Tanvir Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Physics, SUST and Miah Md. Asaduzzaman, Head (In Charge), EEE, Metropolitan University -- assessed the projects and papers to select the winners. Among others, Sheikh Moshfequr Rahman, Area Manager of Grameenphone, Sylhet and Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Managing Editor of The Daily Star, were present at the divisional finale. They gave away prizes among the winners.
In his speech, Sheikh Moshfequr Rahman said “We've received a great response from the students. Grameenphone is excited to be a part of this initiative. Internet can empower people and there are many examples of it around the country.”   
IGNITE, the joint initiative of GP and The Daily Star, was launched on March 22, 2014 with a view to spread scientific knowledge among the internet generation. The aim of the project is to inspire students in science, engineering and technology through engaging them in a science competition.