Bangladesh’s innovative floating school initiative run by Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha has received the Unesco Confucius Literacy Prize 2025, in recognition of its efforts to deliver education to children in the flood-prone Chalan Beel wetlands.
The award honors the organization’s solar-powered floating schools, which have expanded access to education for thousands of children in remote and climate-vulnerable communities where regular schooling is frequently disrupted by seasonal flooding.
The prize was presented at a ceremony organized by Unesco Dhaka on Wednesday.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj was present at the program as chief guest. Special guests included Devabrata Chakraborty, director general (additional charge) 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.
Opening the ceremony, Norihide Furukawa, head of education at Unesco Dhaka, highlighted the Unesco International Literacy Prizes 2025 and this year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”
Speaking at the event, Bobby Hajjaj underscored the importance of innovative education models in hard-to-reach areas.
“Ensuring access to quality education for every child remains our commitment. In climate-vulnerable and remote areas, solutions that respond to local realities are particularly important,” he said.
“Such initiatives not only expand educational inclusion but also equip future generations with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive. The government is committed to supporting and scaling effective approaches that leave no learner behind.”
In 2025, Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha was selected as one of three global recipients of the Unesco Confucius Literacy Prize, alongside Ireland’s National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and Morocco’s Ministry of Education. The award recognizes innovative literacy initiatives supporting rural populations and out-of-school youth.
Dr Susan Vize said literacy plays a broader role in building 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,” she said.
“In a rapidly changing world, innovative approaches that promote inclusive and lifelong learning are becoming increasingly important.”
Founded to address educational barriers in Bangladesh’s largest wetland ecosystem, Sidhulai’s Floating School project delivers classrooms directly to children through a fleet of specially designed boats. During the monsoon season, when rivers and canals overflow and transport becomes difficult, the floating schools ensure uninterrupted learning.
Built using traditional boat-making expertise and powered by solar energy, the boats function as mobile learning centers. Sidhulai currently operates 56 boats, including 26 classroom boats, 10 library and computer lab boats, eight training centers, and several others providing health care, recreation and transportation services.
Architect Mohammed Rezwan, executive director of Sidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, described the recognition as a tribute to community-driven innovation.
“Sustainable solutions are built on the knowledge, experience and participation of local communities. The people who face challenges every day often hold the most effective ideas for addressing them,” he said.
“This recognition is a tribute to the collective efforts of countless individuals working in remote communities and an inspiration to reach even more people in the years ahead.”
Since 1967, Unesco’s International Literacy Prizes have recognized excellence and innovation in literacy worldwide. Supported by the Government of China, the Unesco Confucius Literacy Prize is awarded annually to three organizations and carries a prize value of $30,000.
Bangladesh has previously received the award through Friendship in 2023 and Dhaka Ahsania Mission in 2013.