Neither Rain nor Wind nor Monsoon

Neither rain nor wind nor monsoon floods can stop the children of Chokdarbari School.

In July, monsoon floods inundated their village, and the area surrounding their school remained water-logged for more than one month.

Although the children of the Chokdarbari School live nearby, they could not get to school because their path was three feet under water—a formidable obstacle to a second grade child. The school became an island and access was severely restricted for almost 80 percent of students.

In Bangladesh it is common for households to have less work and lower income during the monsoon season. When searching for a solution for the Chokdarbari School, parents explored building a boat to carry children to and from school, but they did not have enough resources to build a boat in the time of scarcity. So the children devised their own solution!

They put their books and clothing in cooking pots and swam as a group to school. This shocked the entire community, including those more financially solvent to come forward and lend a helping hand. Community members then built a boat to safely take the children to and from school.

Now students at Chokdarbari School are going to school in their own school boat. The children’s love for their school has prompted community support. The students, teachers and community are grateful for Save the Children and its donors for supporting their school.

Last Updated November 2010