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Sarwat Sarah Sarwar

সারওয়াত সারাহ সারোওয়ার

Curriculum Specialist

sarah.sarwar@bracu.ac.bd


Brief Bio:

Sarwat Sarah Sarwar is a Curriculum Specialist working in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program of BRAC Institute of Educational Development. She has a Postgraduate degree on ECD from BRAC University and over 9 years of experience working for the developmental and learning needs of children living in socio-economically challenged neighbourhoods, and of children living in disenfranchised communities and humanitarian settings. On behalf of her Institute and Program, she was a part of 3 published researches related to her area of expertise and is currently working on a 4th research paper. She is also a facilitator for the Institute’s two Masters Courses (Master of Science in Early Childhood Development and Master of Education in Educational Leadership & School Improvement) and a frequent contributor to different national newspapers and online platforms where she discusses varied areas related to the early years, childcare & ECD investments for the benefits of mothers & families, play & culture for children in crisis settings, folktales of Bangladesh and their impact on children's development, female identity in Bangladesh society & economy, etc.

Areas of Specialization

Early Literacy, Children in Crisis, Cultural Identity, Folktales for Children, Storytelling & Storybooks for Children, Play-Based Learning & Socio-Emotional Development, Communication and media for early years' advocacy

Research Interests

Children in Crisis, Play-Based Learning in Humanitarian Contexts, Cultural Contextualization to Foster Resilience, Healing & Learning, Perception of Folktales Regarding ECD, Framing of ECD narratives & the role of Media & communication strategies of organisations in Bangladesh

Publications

  • Khanom, F., Zaman, S.S., Sarwar, S.S., Mehnaz, A., Parvin, W., Masud, A.A. (2019). Narratives of early childhood development in Bangladesh: A field frame analysis. Frameworks Institute. https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FRAJ7059-Bangladesh-Field-Frame-Analysis-190412-WEB.pdf.

  • Mariam, E., Zaman, S.S., Huq, S., Yesmin, S., Sarwar, S.S. (2019). BRAC humanitarian play lab: When playing becomes healing. Young Children and Families in Crisis Displacement, Early Childhood Matters, Bernard Van Leer Foundation. https://vanleerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BVLF19_ECM_booklet_ENG_digital.pdf

  • Mariam, E., Sarwar, S.S., Ahmad, J., Zaman, S.S., Siddique, S.N. (2021, May 5). Mental health and learning: BRAC’s response in Bangladesh during Covid-19. Early Childhood Matters. https://earlychildhoodmatters.online/2020/mental-health-and-learning-bracs-response-in-bangladesh-during-covid-19/

  • Mariam, E., Ahmad, Jahanara., Sarwar, S.S. (2021). BRAC humanitarian play lab model: Promoting healing, learning and development for displaced Rohingya children. Journal on Education in Emergencies, Volume 7. https://doi.org/10.33682/u72g-v5me

  • Sarwar, S.S. (2023). The effect of folktales on children's development in the early years: A perception study of parents & teachers. BRAC University. http://hdl.handle.net/10361/21642

  • Sarwar, S. S. (2023, November 8). Once upon a time: Understanding the important role that stories and storytelling play in children’s development. Dhaka Tribune. https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/330457/once-upon-a-time%E2%80%A6

  • Sarwar, S. S., Corraya, J. H. (2024, September 23). While they are still young: Why investing in children’s early years is relevant for a new Bangladesh. Dhaka Tribune. https://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/op-ed/359405/while-they-are-still-young

  • Sarwar, S.S. (2021, September 19). Across the mustard fields (understanding the Bangladeshi female identity). Swayong. https://www.swayong.org/post/across-the-mustard-fields

Conferences/Workshops
  • Play to Learn Annual Partnership Meeting in Turkiye (May 2023),

  • OMEP 76th World Conference: Right from the Start for ECCE in Thailand,(July 2024), INEE Webinar Conference on Play to Learn Resource Hub (9th October, 2024)