#Bangladesh #Dhaka #Anjuman Aziz #Muhammed Aziz #Summit Group

Advancing Education Opportunities for Disadvantaged Children

In a transformative move, the Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), spearheaded by Muhammed Aziz Khan, the Chairman of Summit Group, has announced a significant expansion of its educational initiatives. The new program aims to provide educational support to nearly 10,000 underprivileged children in Bangladesh, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Founded in 2020, AACT has previously collaborated with UNICEF Bangladesh to assist children in Dhaka's South City Corporation. Initially focusing on just 3,000 out-of-school children, the partnership has now evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of educational services aimed at enhancing the learning experiences of disadvantaged youths throughout the country.

Khan, expressing his commitment, stated, "Every child is the future, if we want a future we must enable the child, that via education. Education is not only children's right, it's our survival." This conviction is rooted in his deep connections to Dhaka, from where his business ventures began in the bustling areas of Chawk Bazar and Urdu Road.

The expanded initiative will persist in supporting the Alor Pathshala program operated by Prothom Alo Trust, which currently runs seven schools in some of the most inaccessible regions of Bangladesh. The impact of this program has been profound; since its inception in 2009, it has educated over 1,350 children aged 6-16, aiding 900 students in successfully completing at least the fifth grade.

Moreover, AACT has revitalized its partnership with the SEID-Summit Community Therapy School in Kamrangirchar, which aids 98 differently-abled children from low-income families. Since 2009, Summit Group has been unwavering in its support of this institution, which provides essential educational resources alongside vocational training in skills like embroidery, batik, sewing, and cooking.

In addition, the trust continues its involvement with the Jaago Foundation, which enables English-language education for financially disadvantaged children. When Jaago faced funding challenges in 2021, Summit Corporation stepped up, providing a matching fund that facilitated the education of 4,500 students across ten schools in eleven districts.

Khan has openly expressed his satisfaction with the fruitful partnerships with UNICEF and other organizations, emphasizing that all children deserve protection, education, and happiness to ensure a brighter future.

Demonstrating their increasing dedication to child welfare, the Khans made history in 2022 by becoming the first Bangladeshis to join the UNICEF International Council, a prestigious group of philanthropists and global leaders dedicated to enhancing children's lives worldwide.

About Summit Group

Founded in 1973, the Summit Group stands as the largest infrastructure conglomerate in Bangladesh, with investments spanning energy, logistics, and information technology. The company employs over 6,000 individuals, underscoring its role as a critical component of the economic landscape. Summit Power International, its subsidiary, has emerged as a leading infrastructure developer in South Asia, collaborating with notable partners like JERA and Mitsubishi Corporation to provide affordable, sustainable energy solutions. In addition to their business pursuits, Summit Group remains committed to corporate social responsibility, particularly in education and community development.

About the Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust

The Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust works tirelessly to deliver quality education to the most disadvantaged children across Bangladesh. With ambitious objectives, including partnerships with UNICEF and other entities, AACT aspires to enhance educational access for vulnerable populations, ensuring that every child is given the opportunity for a brighter future.

Meet Muhammed Aziz Khan

As a visionary leader, Muhammed Aziz Khan is not only the founder of Summit Group but also an influential figure in philanthropy. He was awarded the Public Service Medal for his contributions during the pandemic and has been recognized globally for his endeavors in education and child welfare. Khan harbors academic credentials including an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration in Dhaka, further solidifying his expertise and commitment to social change. He serves as the Honorary Consul General of Finland in Bangladesh and holds several trust positions that emphasize his dedication to education and community welfare.