Coastal children gain English fluency through innovative education programme

Children from remote villages in Bagerhat's Shyamnagar, who once feared speaking English, now use it with confidence and ease. In a region where education was once seen as a privilege, local students are embracing English learning with joy and enthusiasm. 

This transformation has been made possible through an innovative educational initiative, 'Climate Smart Education', implemented by the Climate Adaptation Plan Society (CAPS). The programme aims to bring quality education to climate-vulnerable coastal areas.

Currently, 54 Community Learning Centres (CLCs) are in operation, with 375 teachers providing lessons to local children. According to CAPS, each centre serves around 50 households. Students attend these centres both before and after regular school hours, including on Fridays and Saturdays.

Children learn English, mathematics, and environmental awareness through games, rhymes, and interactive conversation. English is taught using the International Phonics (IPH) method.  The programme also includes Mind Math, which promotes mental development and concentration.

Raisa Hasan, a child from the locality, shared, "I used to be afraid of learning English. Now I can read English books and speak English myself." Another learner, Sabbir Sheikh said, "I can now say that I want to be a teacher!"

Raisa's mother, Hasina Begum, said, "Earlier, children in our area showed little interest in studies. Now, they go to class happily. Hearing my daughter speak English makes me very happy."

Parent Rafiqul Islam added, "Without these centres, our children might have dropped out. Now they are confident and dreaming about their future."

Community teacher Laila Parvin explained, "We teach by understanding children's psychology, so every child participates eagerly." 

Teacher Humayun Kabir noted, "Children don't just learn English; they also learn to protect the environment, manage waste properly, and conserve water."

Moniruzzaman Howlader, the chief coordinator of the programme, said, "We work with four groups of children — school dropouts, underperforming students, child labourers, and children with special needs."

Founder and CEO Asaduzzaman said, "Our goal is for coastal children not only to survive the impacts of climate change but to shape their own futures through adaptation. English proficiency and mental development are key to that vision."