Bangladesh floating school initiative expands services as international climate model

The short version

• Bangladesh's floating school project, founded 24 years ago by nonprofit Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, continues to provide primary education to flood-isolated children.[NPR]
• The initiative won the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 and has inspired similar programs in countries including Brazil, India, and Vietnam.[NPR]
• Founder Mohammed Rezwan is developing larger vessels to function as healthcare clinics, community centers, and flood shelters for up to 150 people.[NPR]

Key facts

• The first floating school in Bangladesh was established 24 years ago to ensure children could attend classes despite seasonal flooding and impassable roads.[NPR]
• The floating school initiative is operated by the local nonprofit group Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha.[NPR]
• Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha received the UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 for its educational work in the Chalan Beel wetlands.[NPR]
• UNESCO representative Susan Vize noted that Bangladesh's literacy rate grew from 17.6% in 1971 to approximately 76% in 2026.[NPR]
• Founder Mohammed Rezwan is designing larger boats to serve as community hubs providing healthcare, education, and shelter for up to 150 people during floods.[NPR]
• Similar floating school initiatives have been launched in countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brazil.[NPR]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Whatever happened to the floating schools of Bangladesh?NPR - Top News