Bangladesh floating school initiative honored with UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize

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The Bangladeshi organization Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha has been formally honored with the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy 2025, recognizing its pioneering use of solar-powered floating schools to provide education to children in the flood-prone Chalan Beel region. The award, presented during a ceremony in Dhaka on Wednesday, highlights the organization’s innovative approach to overcoming geographic barriers in climate-vulnerable communities.

The floating school initiative employs a fleet of 56 boats designed using local maritime craftsmanship and equipped with solar energy. These vessels serve various community needs, functioning as 26 classrooms, 10 libraries and computer labs, 8 training centers, and additional units dedicated to healthcare and transportation. By adapting to the seasonal challenges of the region—where rising water levels often disrupt traditional travel—the project ensures that education remains accessible even during the monsoon season.

Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting locally tailored, innovative educational solutions. He noted that such initiatives are vital for fostering inclusion and empowering future generations in remote areas. UNESCO Representative and Head of Office Susan Vize underscored the broader impact of the program, asserting that literacy extends beyond basic reading and writing to enable individuals to participate actively in society and make informed life decisions.

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Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha Executive Director Mohammad Rezwan credited the community-led model for the project’s success. He stated that sustainable solutions are most effective when they are rooted in the lived experience and knowledge of the people they serve. The award, which includes a $30,000 grant, is funded by the Chinese government and has been presented annually since 1967 to recognize excellence in literacy development.

This year, the international honor was shared with Ireland’s National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and the Ministry of Education of Morocco. The recognition cements Bangladesh’s growing footprint in global literacy efforts, following previous wins by the Dhaka Ahsania Mission in 2013 and the organization Friendship in 2023. Through this recognition, the 2025 theme, “Promoting Literacy for a Digital Age,” was spotlighted as a critical roadmap for ensuring lifelong learning opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.