Live desk: The EMK Center has had a truly remarkable seven years.This is one of the most significant U.S. outreach platforms anywhere in the world. 

Since opening in 2012, nearly 400,000 visitors have come to the Center to enjoy cultural programs.  Some highlights include: 

This year’s performances in Bengali of the well known American Broadway plays Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” and Eugene O’Neill’s “Desire Under the Elms;” the 2018 Bangladesh premiere of the American film Hidden Figures; the 2017 Battery Dance art workshops; and the 2014 Next Level hiphop masterclass. 

All in addition to the Center’s regular cultural programming, including workshops on developing soft and IT skills; cartooning, fighting misinformation, how to start a business/social enterprise, anddialogues on air quality, peace and tolerance, and mental health issues. 

And, of course the Center’s EducationUSA office offers free advising services for students hoping to study in the United States. 

No matter the reason, EMK is a welcoming place for all people.

Let me tell you about my first visit to EMK.  In December, shortly after I arrived in Bangladesh, I visited on a typical Saturday. 

I saw young people in the MakerSpace learning to use the 3D printer – the largest publicly available in Bangladesh – to produce everything from robot parts to an airplane engine. 

I saw a packed EducationUSA Center.  60 young people, shoulder-to-shoulder studying hard at 5pm on a Saturday.  They were so intent that they barely looked up when I came in. 

I noticed great local art on the walls as I walked to a business plan development workshop for emerging entrepreneurs –more than half were women.  My better half, Michelle, embraced the opportunity to connect with other female business owners, and spoke about her challenges and successes. 

Then we got to the electronic dance music production workshop.  A group of 20 students-19 guys and one woman; the woman was right up front and very engaged. That was really inspiring! They made some incredible music.

In fact, I believe they had produced their own electronic dance single to sell.  They also discussed the business of music – including distribution, partnerships, and protecting intellectual property rights.

That was just a typical Saturday night at EMK.  The team didn’t arrange any special programming for me – and that’s why this is such a special place.

At the heart of each program, each project, each workshop, each event is the mission of the EMK Center:  to engage, inspire, connect, and empower citizens of all ages to better themselves, their communities, and our world. 

Special thanks to the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh and Professor Imran Rahman for your partnership and strategic vision in this endeavor. 

Once again, thanks to the EMK team; and, everyone who has invested time, energy, and expertise in making the EMK Center what it is today.

Dhaka 30 September (campuslive24.com)//Az