Maryam School, Mymensingh

Maryam School, Mymensingh (MSM), was an English medium private kindergarten and primary school in the city of Mymensingh 116 km or 72 miles north of the capital, Dhaka, in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). It was established in January, 1955 and operated until 1971 when it was closed down during the Bangladesh War of Liberation. The school did not resume operation after the liberation of Bangladesh in December, 1971. Housed in the donated premises at the Hasan Monzil, a landmark building in the city at 5 Ishan Chakravarty Road, Mymensingh, the school was operated by the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (SMMI). The teaching and supervisory staff included Sisters of the Missionary (such as Sister Monique, Mother Louis as the Head of the Convent, and others), as well as local educators. As the only English medium school in the city at that time, the school attracted the children of the elite and professionals living in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. MSM offered seats in kindergarten and junior classes up to the fifth grade (and for a while, also sixth grade) for both boys and girls in a coeducational system. The number of students reached about 500 at its height. The quality of education was extremely high in a caring and nurturing atmosphere. The teaching nuns brought their selfless dedication and commitment to service in providing the students with a solid educational foundation, in particular, the English language. At the same time, they instilled human and ethical values, compassion, and discipline in the children, which served them well throughout their lives. During the 70s after the liberation of Bangladesh and the ceasing of operations of MSM, some students and faculty moved to the Missionary School and Holy Family Girls ’High School, Mymensingh ( Holy Family School). The MSM building continues to exist and currently houses a government diabetes treatment facility. The school and Sister Marie-Helene fondly remain close to the hearts of the MSM alumni, many of whom have achieved successful careers in various fields both in Bangladesh and across the globe. The many distinguished alumni of a single primary school that existed for only 15 years are testament to the impact MSM had on the lives of the pupils, as well as its contribution in general.