“In the rains, the boat; in autumn, the paddy” – a proverb deeply rooted in the haor regions, spoken not merely as a reflection on livelihood, but as a testament to the rhythms of everyday life.
Yet when the monsoon descends, the rhythm falters. Primary education in the low-lying areas of Habiganj grinds to a near standstill, as roads and footpaths vanish beneath floodwater.
For students from the haor belts of Ajmiriganj, Baniachong, and Lakhai upazilas, the journey to school becomes an ordeal – and the season brings with it the looming threat of dropouts.
A recent visit to Santoshpur Government Primary School in Lakhai’s haor area revealed a troubling picture. Though 316 students are enrolled, attendance was unusually low.
Waist-deep water surrounded the school premises, leaving children from the nearby villages of Radhanagar and Santoshpur stranded at home.
A few students from other areas managed to arrive by boat, many of them sitting through classes in wet clothes. Their daily struggle to reach school continues to take a heavy toll.
In response, the Pothshishu Niketan Foundation has stepped forward with a timely initiative. The organisation has provided a free boat service to help students attend school regularly during the monsoon, a gesture that has brought relief to both students and teachers alike.
Rakib Mia, a class five student, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “We can’t come to school because of the water. My brother and sister study here too. It’s very difficult for us. Sometimes we manage to get a boat, but most days we can’t come at all.”
Head teacher, Md Ferdaus Alam Chowdhury added, “As soon as the monsoon arrives, attendance drops by half. Students who have boats at home can manage, but others simply cannot make it through the water. The initiative by Pothshishu Niketan Foundation has been a great help.”
According to the president of Pothshishu, Nazim Uddin, the foundation has been working with the children for a long time. “When the monsoon arrives, students from Radhanagar and Santoshpur cannot reach their school,” he said. “After speaking with their families, we decided to provide this free boat service so their education does not stop.”
For many students in the region, this small service goes a long way towards ensuring their education despite the heavy rains that come with the monsoon. As Lakhai Upazila Social Services Officer Nipun Ray says, “This has created an opportunity for students to attend classes and help prevent dropouts.”
In the haor, where children once missed school because of rising waters, a simple boat is helping keep education afloat, proving that even small community efforts can make a lasting difference.
