For better classrooms
Deborah Llewellyn, ECD and Primary Education Consultant, Dhaka
I am responding to a November 14 article, "Government to set up 2,540 more primary schools" and an October 14 article that said 30,000 new classrooms would be built under the new PEDP-II. The school construction projects should be viewed as an opportunity to think about education sector innovations with low cost and great impact. Bangladesh has produced some of the world's most creative architects and they should be encouraged to contribute to its development. Examples already exist at the village level -- look at the country mosques which show how to create airy, open environments using large grilled windows. While fathers pray in serene and breezy rooms, their children attend some of the darkest and depressing classrooms -- I have not seen anything like that anywhere in the world. Use your architectural genius and great Islamic heritage to design low-cost classrooms, using readily available materials that are open and airy. Hold a competition to find a design that will uplift children's spirits. If any country has the capacity to develop beautiful, yet low-cost classroom structures that symbolise quality environments for learning, it is Bangladesh! Other countries will look to your example and your children will be treated with the dignity they deserve.
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