14 December, 2024, marks a momentous occasion for Urban School and College as it celebrates 12 years of its journey in providing quality education to the community. Established on this day in 2012, the institution was born out of a vision to make quality education accessible to the people of rural Dhamrai. The significance of this milestone is further deepened as it coincides with Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh (Martyred Intellectuals Day), reminding us of the sacrifices made by the intellectuals of 1971. Their legacy continues to inspire our mission of building a progressive, educated nation.
The journey of Urban School and College began with a dream to address the educational gap in rural areas. After much research and reflection, I proposed the name “Urban School and College,” symbolising our aspiration to bring the facilities and opportunities of urban areas, such as Dhaka, to the community of Dhamrai, Savar, and surrounding areas. This name encapsulated our vision of providing urban-level education and infrastructure to a rural setting. Following a meeting with our board, the proposal was approved, and this marked the beginning of Urban School and College.
Our founding members, a group of young university graduates, dedicated themselves to turning this vision into reality. It was not an easy path. Before the inaugural ceremony in December 2012, we went door to door, speaking to parents and guardians, convincing them of our commitment to bring quality education to Dhamrai. The trust they placed in us, despite our youth and limited resources, was humbling. Their belief in our promise—to offer the same standard of education available in Dhaka, but within their reach—became the foundation of our success.
Starting with a modest campus on Medical Road, Islampur, Urban School and College has grown significantly over the years. Today, we serve nearly 2,000 students across three branches, supported by a dedicated team of 100 teachers and staff. Our campuses include the original branch in Islampur, a second in Panchash Madrasha Road, and our largest campus in Nayarhat, Savar, located just four kilometres from the National Martyrs’ Monument. This growth reflects the immense trust placed in us by the community and motivates us to continue expanding our reach and impact.
The journey of Urban School and College is a testament to perseverance, community support, and the relentless dedication of its teachers and staff. Our educators are not merely instructors; they are mentors shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. Through their tireless efforts, they nurture not only academic excellence but also the moral and social values that are vital for leadership and responsible citizenship. The parents and guardians of our students have also been indispensable partners in this journey. Their trust, collaboration, and unwavering support have enabled us to create a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and personally.
While we are proud of our achievements, we are also mindful of our limitations. Two of our campuses lack playgrounds and green spaces, which limits outdoor activities for our students. Our library facilities need significant upgrades to provide comprehensive learning resources. Although we aim to expand our college section, this remains an aspiration yet to be realised. Furthermore, our science and computer labs require modernisation to meet the demands of contemporary education. These challenges drive us to work harder, with the hope that collective effort and dedication will eventually transform these limitations into strengths.
Despite these hurdles, Urban School and College has made a lasting impact. Our students have consistently excelled in their academic pursuits, and many of our alumni have gone on to achieve success in fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and other disciplines in public and private universities. Their achievements are a source of immense pride, and we envision a future where they will represent us globally in positions of responsibility and leadership.
As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with renewed commitment to our mission. Our goal is to continue providing transformative educational experiences that go beyond traditional learning, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills. The future of Urban School and College lies in our ability to innovate, grow, and adapt to the evolving needs of education, ensuring that we remain a beacon of excellence for generations to come.
On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey—our teachers, students, parents, guardians, and founding members. Urban School and College is not just an institution; it is a community effort, a shared legacy, and a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and unity. Together, we celebrate 12 years of success and look forward to many more years of progress and excellence.
Md. Wahiduzzaman
Founding Chairman, Urban School and College