THE CHALLENGE

Every year, thousands of schools and school routes are destroyed as a result of flooding in Bangladesh, which is being made worse by climate change. The education of millions of children is affected, and many never go back to school. Instead they are forced to work, and girls are often married off.

THE WORK

Rezwan and his organization Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha (SSS) run 26 floating schools on the rivers. The boat schools fetch the children where they live, so they can go to school even if the roads are under water. SSS also has floating libraries and health clinics, and offers vocational training on boat schools for young women. Every village with a boat school also has a Young Women’s Rights Association that fights for girls’ rights and campaigns against child marriage.

RESULTS & VISION

Since 1998, some 22,000 children have received an education through the boat schools. The floating libraries and health clinics reach 150,000 villagers every year. 15,000 young women receive vocational training to give them a better future. The practice of child marriage is declining where the boat schools visit. Rezwan wants to start up more boat schools. His idea of floating schools has spread throughout Bangladesh and to eight other countries.

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CHANGE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

As a changemaker, Rezwan helps fulfil children’s rights and achieve the following Global Goals: Goal 4: Quality education. Goal 5: Gender equality. Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy. Goal 13: Climate action.