Class under open sky

A government primary school in Charbhadrasan upazila has been holding classes under the open sky as the schoolhouse was washed away by the Padma river on August 13.

Fajal Kha Dangi Government Primary School was established in 1988 on 33 decimals of land in Fajal Kha Dangi village.  A brick building was constructed in 1993, which was eroded by the Padma on August 13 this year. The school was then shifted to Shamsuddin Mollah's house in the village on August 28.

“Our school building was washed away on August 13, and our higher authorities moved the school to Shamuddin's house on August 28. The authorities told us they would build a tin-shed for us within seven days, but we have been holding classes here for nearly one-and-a-half- months,” said Headmaster Rebeka Sultana.

“The house which Shamuddin gave us is not big enough for our 97 students, so we are holding classes under the open sky,” Rebeka added. 

“The school authorities told me that they needed my old house for seven days. Although a month-and-a-half has passed, they have not released my house. As a result, my family members are facing problems,” Shamuddin said.

Mim Akter, a Class V student, said they are suffering as their classes are held under the open sky because they have no school building.

Sahadat Hossain, a student of the same class, said they cannot attend classes in the open when it rains or when it is too hot.

 “The final examination will be held within two months, but the students cannot attend classes due to the rain and scorching heat. They also fall sick due to the heat,” said Rubina Begum, mother of a Class III student.

 “We selected a new place for the school, but that was also washed away by the river. Now we are searching for another place. We shall shift the school after building a new schoolhouse,” said Charbhadrasan Upazila Education Officer Ashraful Haque.