'Aaj Amader Chhuti-ASHR 2025' brings joy and inspiration to Kumon students

In a bustling city like Dhaka where children often lack spaces to play freely and explore, BRAC Kumon Limited successfully hosted 'আজ আমাদের ছুটি - ASHR 2025' at Purbachal Club, creating a day of joy, learning, and celebration for Kumon students. 

This event provided an opportunity for children to break free from routine and immerse in fun-filled learning experiences. Designed to honour outstanding academic achievers while offering an engaging experience for all students, the event welcomed over 6,000 attendees.

Recognising academic excellence

Presented by Aarong Dairy and powered by BRAC Bank, the event recognised 2,489 students for excelling 1, 2, 3, and 5 years ahead of their school grade levels. Among them, 277 students were honored for being 5 years ahead, while 20 students were awarded for completing the Kumon Program. Beyond the awards, the event was a vibrant experience—offering children a break from routine through immersive activities, cultural enrichment, and inspiring sessions.

A day of celebration and exploration

From the grand award ceremony in the morning to a spectacular cultural night, 'আজ আমাদের ছুটি - ASHR 2025' blended tradition with innovation. Students explored an interactive Technology Zone, engaged in Bengali heritage activities, marveled at an astrophotography show, and enjoyed a food festival presented by Foodi.

The event also featured insightful keynote sessions, including Genius with Hearts - Raising Smart and Kind Kids by Tajdin Hassan, CBO, The Daily Star & COO, Keeron, and Shuvashish Bhowmik, Country Director, ATEC, along with Growth Mindset by Tawhida Shiropa, Founder & CEO, Moner Bondhu.

Honouring special guests

Distinguished guests included Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Director, BRAC Kumon Limited; Tamara Hasan Abed, Managing Director, BRAC Enterprises; Rizwan Dawood Shams, Managing Director, IPDC Finance PLC; Yuji Ando, Country Representative, JETRO; Yamada Eiji, Senior Representative, JICA; Munia Islam Mozumder, CEO, Teach for Bangladesh; Munia Ghani, Head of Partnerships, Grameenphone; Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director, People, Culture, and Communications, BRAC; and representatives from leading organisations of Bangladesh and Japan. Their presence underscored the importance of self-learning and perseverance in young minds.

A cultural extravaganza to remember

The celebration was filled with energy and excitement as Bajna Beat captivated the audience with their mesmerizing rhythms. Earlier in the day, Ekmattra Students delivered a heartfelt poem recitation, while a fascinating magic show kept everyone spellbound. The performances created an atmosphere of joy and wonder, making for a truly memorable experience.

A young Kumon student, beaming with joy, shared: "I had so much fun today! The performances were amazing, and meeting my friends outside Kumon made the day even more special. I can't wait for next year's event!"

A collective effort for a meaningful experience

This grand celebration was made possible by the support of Aarong Dairy, BRAC Bank, IPDC Finance PLC., KEERON, BRAC Nursery, BRAC Healthcare, and other valued partners. Their contributions ensured an enriching experience for all participants, reinforcing the importance of holistic child development.

Voices from the Event

Tamara Hasan Abed shared, "By nurturing independent learners, we are cultivating a generation that is not only academically strong but also resilient, self-motivated, and prepared for the challenges of the future."

Nehal Bin Hasan shared, "In the Era of AI and Quantum computers, children are going to need more skills than just academic excellence "

A parent of an ASHR awardee said, "Seeing my child recognised for their dedication was a proud moment. But beyond the awards, the event was a beautiful experience for all the children. It was heartwarming to see them explore, learn, and have fun."

Under the visionary leadership of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed KCMG, the Kumon Method was introduced to Bangladesh, ushering in a new era of self-learning and academic excellence. His dedication to education has opened doors for countless children, enabling them to develop crucial skills and surpass traditional learning boundaries for a brighter future.