The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has attached great importance to the power sector to propel and sustain the economic momentum of the country. As a part of this effort, the GoB is increasing the national power generation capacity and improving the power transmission and distribution network. The Rupsha 800 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant Project is a noteworthy endeavor of the power sector development plan. The project is funded by the GoB and Asian Development Bank (ADB). The North-West Power Generation Co. Ltd. (NWPGCL) is the implementing authority of the project.
Socially Inclusive Development for Better Livelihood is an important component of the project. It is funded by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR). Practical Action Consulting Ltd. (PAC) has been engaged to implement this component. This component aims to improve the living standards of communities in the vicinity of the project by increasing awareness of the safe and efficient use of electricity, providing skill development training for better livelihood, and constructing a school with adequate educational facilities.
About NWPGCL
Power is crucial for economic development, and Bangladesh recognizes the need for a sustainable and cost-effective power supply to fuel its emerging economy. Despite financial constraints and gas shortages, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has devised a strategy to overcome the crisis and meet the growing demand for electricity. Their approach includes immediate, short-term, medium-term, and long-term programs, such as diversifying the fuel mix, implementing demand-side management, improving energy efficiency, and conservation. The GoB has set ambitious targets, aiming to generate 24,000 MW by 2021, 40,000 MW by 2030, and 60,000 MW by 2041. The North-West Power Generation Co. Ltd. (NWPGCL) is entrusted with achieving these goals. Established in 2007, NWPGCL has played a significant role in meeting the country’s electricity demand and mitigating low-voltage issues. With the commissioning of nine power plants, it has reached a total generation capacity of 3,063 MW and aims to exceed 9,000 MW by 2031. NWPGCL’s dedicated employees have earned the company awards and certificates, highlighting its integrity, efficiency, and competence. Their commitment to quality, environment, and safety has been recognized through ISO certifications and prestigious awards.
About the development project
The GOB has identified power generation as a priority sector. Recognizing power generation as the engine of growth, the government and its development partners have been investing considerably in this sector over the last two decades. The Rupsha 800 MW CCPP project is a part of this trend. The new power plants, along with the transmission, distribution, and consumption of electrical power, are creating a vast employment opportunity for young people.
There is a lack of awareness regarding technical job opportunities among youngsters. This is especially true for schoolgirls who typically do not consider the technical sector as a potential field of employment. The socially inclusive development component of the Rupsha 800 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant Project in Khulna is committed to addressing this issue. In this regard, the project conducted a series of outreach events for school children in Khulna. These events encouraged young children, especially girls, to build their careers in the technical sector. The events were designed to make students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, encourage gender balance in education, and inspire professional development.
STEM education is essential for building a career in the technical sector. It is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in college and their future careers. The focus of STEM education is hands-on, problem-based learning. Ultimately, STEM literacy translates into employment in the increasingly knowledge-based economy we find locally and around the globe. STEM literacy means gainful employment in higher-earning jobs for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.
Gender-equitable education systems empower girls and boys and promote the development of life skills – like self-management, communication, negotiation, and critical thinking – that young people need to succeed. They close skills gaps that perpetuate pay gaps and build prosperity for entire countries.
Poverty, geographical isolation, disability, early marriage and pregnancy, gender-based violence, and traditional attitudes about the status and role of women, are among the many obstacles that stand in the way of women and girls fully exercising their right to participate in, complete, and benefit from education.
School outreach event was organized at the KNM School
Outreach events organized under the project
Six outreach events were organized to encourage male and female students to consider a career in the technical sector and were organized in 2022. These events created great enthusiasm among the students. The participants included 475 students from 6 schools in the vicinity of the project site. It was very heartening to note that 265 girls (56% of total attendees) participated in the events.
The events included lively activities, including short films, speeches by eminent personalities, debates, and presentations. The events perked up interest among students to pursue STEM education and build their careers in the technical sector.
The guardians, members of the governing council, local government representatives, and NWPGCL officials attended the events along with the students.
