Write up

In coastal Bangladesh, the educational landscape presents unique challenges not often encountered
in other regions of the country. For children living in these coastal areas, access to formal education
is severely restricted, with some remote islands locations scarcely having any formal schooling
available. The ever-present threat of natural disasters compounds these difficulties, frequently
disrupting regular classes and exacerbating the already existing barriers to education.
Communication breakdowns, dwindling family incomes, and damaged school infrastructure further
deter children from attending school, perpetuating cycles of poverty, child labor, early marriage, and
climate-induced migration.

The repercussions of these challenges are starkly evident in the higher rates of school dropout
among secondary students specially for girls in coastal areas compared to other parts of Bangladesh.
Economic hardship, geographical isolation, inadequate secondary school facilities, parental illiteracy,
poor infrastructure, and limited educational resources are primary obstacles to ensuring the quality
of education in these regions. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation,
leading to a surge in school dropouts and incidents of child marriage.

To confront these multifaceted challenges head-on, the Community Development Centre (CODEC),
supported by ERIKS Development Partner and Friendship as a technical partner, has embarked on
the "Showpner Thikana" project in Mongla, Shoronkhola, and Rangabali. This initiative aims to
establish quality secondary educational services tailored to dropout students' needs, rekindling their
educational journeys and safeguarding them against the perils of child labor and early marriage.

Under Through this project, eight bridge schools have already been erected and managed in Mongla,
Shoronkhola, and Rangabali, providing a haven for 341 640 out-of-school children who have been
enrolled in grade 6 and grade 7 to resume their education. By the end 2025, 960 vulnerable children
will be supported through secondary education by this project. These schools also provide several
services to 2280 other children and adolescents in the community. Working hand in hand with
parents, the project ensures ongoing support for these children, safeguarding them from the risks of
dropping out and ensuring a smooth transition to government secondary schools upon completing
grade 8.

The design process for these bridge schools epitomized inclusivity and community engagement.
Through meticulously organized workshops, children, parents, and community members
collaboratively articulated their visions for these educational institutions. These workshops served as
vibrant forums for dialogue, touching upon topics such as the essence of joyful learning, the
components of quality education, and strategies for maintaining good health and disaster
preparedness.

Transitioning from dialogue to action, the design process embraced hands-on activities, with children
leading the way in expressing their aspirations through sketches and models. Their creativity and
insights guided the development of functional and aesthetically vibrant school structures. The final
designs, shaped by the collective input of stakeholders, incorporate features such as sturdy RCC
structures to withstand cyclones, bright colors chosen by the children to foster a playful learning
environment, and ample ventilation to ensure comfort during warm seasons.

Beyond providing academic instruction, these bridge schools serve as hubs for extracurricular
activities, enriching the educational experience and fostering a sense of joy and belonging among
students. With the overarching goal of empowering dropout students and coastal communities
through collective action, this project stands as a beacon of hope, slowly but steadily forging a path
towards a brighter future for all involved.