Floating school of Chalan Beel: Bangladesh's Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha formally receives Unesco prize

Bangladesh's Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha formally received the prestigious Unesco Confucius Literacy Prize 2025 at a ceremony organised by Unesco Dhaka today (10 June), in recognition of its innovative solar-powered floating school initiative serving communities in the Chalan Beel wetlands.

The award was presented at a ceremony attended by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Devabrata Chakraborty, director general of the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE), and Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE). The event was chaired by Dr Susan Vize, head of office and Unesco representative to Bangladesh, according to a press release.

Highlighting the importance of innovative approaches to reaching learners in difficult geographic contexts, State Minister Bobby said, "Ensuring access to quality education for every child remains our commitment. In climate-vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas, solutions that respond to local realities are particularly important.

"Such initiatives not only expand educational inclusion but also help equip future generations with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive. The government of Bangladesh is working to support and scale effective approaches that leave no learner behind."

In 2025, Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha was selected as one of three global recipients of the Unesco Confucius Literacy Prize alongside the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) of Ireland and the Ministry of Education of Morocco. The award recognises innovative literacy initiatives supporting rural populations and out-of-school youth.

Photo: Courtesy

Dr Susan Vize underscored the transformative role of literacy in creating inclusive and resilient societies. "Literacy is about much more than learning to read and write. It empowers people to make informed decisions, seize opportunities and participate actively in society.

"In a rapidly changing world, innovative approaches that promote inclusive and lifelong learning are becoming increasingly important," she said.

The Floating School project of Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha is a one-of-a-kind, locally generated school system that provides education support in Chalan Beel waterways, which is Bangladesh's largest wetland system.

Due to the poor transportation system, children from the local community hardly get any opportunity to continue schooling, particularly in the monsoon area when rivers and canals overflow. Shidhulai's floating schools, which are basically boats with all the facilities of a classroom, appeared as a good Samaritan in such a context.

Utilising local boatbuilding knowledge, timber and boat builders, and each boat has a solar power supply system, maximising the application of eco-friendly energy. Fifty-six boats are currently operated by Shidhulai – 26 serve as classrooms, 10 as libraries and computer labs, eight as training centres, and the remaining boats are used for healthcare, playgrounds, and transportation.   

"Sustainable solutions are built on the knowledge, experience and participation of local communities. We believe that the people who face challenges every day often hold the most effective ideas for addressing them," said Architect Mohammed Rezwan, the executive director of Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha.

Photo: Courtesy

"This recognition is a tribute to the collective efforts of countless individuals working in remote communities and serves as an inspiration to reach even more people in the years ahead," he said.

Since 1967, Unesco International Literacy Prizes have recognised excellence and innovation in literacy worldwide. The Unesco Confucius Literacy Prize, supported by China, awards three organisations annually and carries a prize value of $30,000.

Bangladesh previously received the award through FRIENDSHIP in 2023 and the Dhaka Ahsania Mission in 2013.