Floating schools, introduced by Mohammed Rezwan in 2002, have become a lifeline for children in rural areas affected by annual monsoons and climate-induced flooding.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
In the flood-prone lowlands of Bangladesh, where rising waters often disrupt daily life, an extraordinary solution has emerged to combat the challenges of education access. Floating schools, introduced by Mohammed Rezwan in 2002, have become a lifeline for children in rural areas affected by annual monsoons and climate-induced flooding. These mobile learning hubs not only provide education but also represent a sustainable, community-driven approach to adapting to environmental challenges.
Resilience in the Face of Climate Change
Bangladesh, a delta nation crisscrossed by thousands of rivers, faces an existential threat from climate change. Nearly half the population lives within 10 meters above sea level, making the country highly vulnerable to flooding. During the monsoon season, water levels rise dramatically, submerging up to two-thirds of the country in extreme cases. This recurring calamity destroys crops, infrastructure, and schools, leaving 4 million children without access to education annually. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic when 20,000 schools were closed, further exacerbating the educational crisis.
Rezwan’s floating schools began as a modest experiment but have since evolved into a transformative force. The first school boat started with a single student, gradually gaining the trust of skeptical communities. Today, each school boat serves as both a classroom and a transportation system, collecting children from riverside villages, docking for lessons, and returning them home—all while adhering to government curricula and environmental education.
These boats, constructed using traditional techniques and locally sourced materials like bamboo and wood, are powered by solar energy. The innovative design includes flat bottoms for navigation through flooded areas and open, column-free interiors to accommodate up to 30 students per session. Each school boat hosts three classes daily, providing education to 90 students and reaching some of the most marginalized communities.
Beyond Education: An Integrated Development Approach
Floating schools are part of a broader vision to uplift entire communities. In addition to education, the program offers floating libraries, training centers, and health clinics. Solar-powered lanterns provide light to families, while floating gardens and fish enclosures create sustainable income sources for landless people. These initiatives not only prepare communities for present challenges but also equip them for future climate impacts.
The results speak volumes: Over the years, 22,500 children have graduated from floating schools, with many securing jobs in cities and towns. The schools also tackle pressing social issues like early marriage by providing training and creating boys’ and girls’ clubs to advocate for gender equality.
Rezwan’s work has inspired similar initiatives across the globe, from Indonesia to Africa. Today, more than 100 floating schools operate in eight countries, adapting his model to their unique contexts. The reach of Rezwan’s organization, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, extends to 75,000 people directly and another 75,000 indirectly, with plans to double these numbers by introducing 35 additional boats over the next five years.
The urgency of climate change demands innovative solutions like floating schools. With projections indicating that up to 40% of Bangladesh’s land could be permanently submerged by 2030, these schools are not just a response to current challenges but a preparation for an uncertain future. Efforts are underway to develop floating housing units and expand the model to other vulnerable regions, including Papua New Guinea.
