Spreading light where the sun doesn’t shine

For as far as the eye can see, there's floodwater. Educational institutions have been closed for days. In such a situation, Deepak Ranjan Das, headteacher of Daserbazar High School, decided to set up a shelter in the school in Moulvibazar's Barlekha upazila.

 A total of 54 families from different areas took shelter there.

Deepak then took an initiative to educate the children stuck in shelter. Apart from teaching, he also arranges for free books, notebooks and pens for them.

Hashim Ali, the school's assistant teacher, has been helping him in his efforts.

The teaching programme started on June 22, and since then, it has been running daily from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

This correspondent visited the spot last Tuesday and found Deepak teaching English to the children in a school room. There were 17 children in that room. They range from primary, high school and madrasa students.

Deepak said Hashim took the responsibility of teaching mathematics and science. He usually takes classes in the morning shift.

A student of the class said, "I had nothing to do besides being stuck here day after day. But when Deepak sir started taking classes, things felt exciting again. Sir not only teaches, but also talks to us. We discuss many things, and I learn something new every day."

Hashim said most residents taking shelter there have waist-deep water in their homes. Students' books, notebooks and pens were washed away along with valuables when the water came in.

"In such a situation, families left their homes empty-handed and settled in shelters. In shelters, where it's difficult for families to provide two meals a day, so the thought of children studying is unimaginable. Which is why, we stepped in so that their education isn't affected in the long run."

Deepak said, "I saw that if children spend day after day in such confinement, it can have an adverse effect on their minds. It also increases the risk of students dropping out. Since I'm in school most of the day, I thought let's do something for the children who are stuck here. Now, I see that both children and their parents are happy."

Shamim Ahmad, a parent, said they were worried that when the floodwater will recede and the schools will reopen, what will happen to their children. But now they are grateful that Deepak took this initiative.

Another guardian, Abul Hossain, said the floodwater has not completely receded yet. In this situation, they are still unable to return home. They are relieved that at least their children's education is progressing.