NASEF’s global network bolsters BYDESA’s work to leverage esports and gaming
interest for meaningful learning around career and life skills

(Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 20, 2024) – Esports are booming, and students from all over Dhaka are excited to not just play the games, but to pursue related careers. To support this thirst for competition and education, BYDESA has just become an affiliate of NASEF. A global NGO, NASEF provides a framework and support for educators around the world as they build programs that connect students’ love of video games and esports to exploration of career pathways, simultaneously developing important personal “soft skills” that will help youth thrive in today’s workforce.

NASEF leverages massive student interest in team-based competitive video gaming, offering meaningful career and STEAM education alongside tournaments in top game titles. Students learn about possible career pathways, enter Beyond the Game creative and analytic challenges, manage clubs and events and fundraising, and compete in tournaments in popular titles including but not limited to Rocket League, Valorant, and Minecraft, to name a few.

The President of BYDESA - Arefa Parvin Taposhe said, “I am thrilled to see the partnership between BYDESA and NASEF. This collaboration not only underscores the importance of esports in our education system but also highlights our commitment to providing our youth with innovative pathways to success. I commend BYDESA for their vision in leveraging esports for academic and personal development, and I applaud NASEF for their support in this endeavor. Together, we will ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the modern world.”

BYDESA’s vision is to create and foster competitive esports programs through the lens of academics and learning in Dhaka middle schools, high schools and universities by providing assistance, organizing tournaments, and presenting information to schools and advisers. NASEF is supporting similar organizations worldwide and freely shares its unique experience in developing global educational and career pathways. As a non-profit, NASEF focuses on youth impact, emphasizing cultivating talent in all students, particularly those in underserved populations. Through its partnerships, NASEF also helps students uncover pathways to college scholarships and careers in the gaming industry around the world.

“Research demonstrates the effectiveness of esports as a tool for meaningful STEAM and social-emotional learning,” said Gerald Solomon, founder and executive director of NASEF. “We’re thrilled to welcome BYDESA to the NASEF family, where educators will be able to learn best practices from scholastic esports programs around the world. We’re excited to support the BYDESA and see the growth across Bangladesh in the coming years.”

Learn more at the NASEF website or the BYDESA’s website. Schools across Dhaka are invited to affiliate with BYDESA and NASEF and tap into their events and resources; please contact: [email protected]

About NASEF

NASEF is on a mission to provide opportunities for all students to use esports as a platform to acquire STEM/STEAM-based skills and critical communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in work and in life. NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The International Esports Federation has entrusted NASEF with training and supporting its 130+ member federations as they undertake development of scholastic esports programs. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.