As temperatures soar and heat waves grip the nation, the Human Safety Foundation (HSF) organized an experience-sharing event on Saturday evening at its Dhaka office to shed light on the growing impact of extreme heat on students and the education system.
The event, attended by students from various schools, colleges, and universities, also saw the presence of teachers, journalists, and climate experts. The participants shared their personal experiences and concerns about the severe toll heat waves are taking on daily life and education.
Students expressed that the intense heat has not only disrupted their ability to attend classes but also affected their concentration and health. “We can’t go to school regularly, we can’t focus on our studies, and many of us are suffering from skin problems and the risk of heat stroke,” one student shared.
Teachers echoed similar concerns, stating that the scorching weather makes it difficult for them to effectively engage in classroom teaching. “The extreme temperatures reduce both student attendance and attention, as well as our own capacity to deliver lessons,” a teacher remarked.
A journalist at the event described the situation as dire, saying, “Heat waves have become a curse. They are now inevitable, and we must learn to cope using scientific methods.”
Valentina Spinedi, program specialist for climate at UNICEF Bangladesh country office, highlighted the importance of unified action. She emphasized, “Youth involvement is critical. Their voices can reshape the future, and collective efforts are essential to combat the climate crisis.”
HSF Chairman M A Muqit stated, “We aim to create awareness through these kinds of events. We disseminate practical information about what can and cannot be done. We also want to listen to the youth, who are full of innovation and energy.”
The event concluded with a renewed call for climate resilience strategies, particularly involving youth-led solutions to address the challenges posed by extreme heat.
