Non-government organisation ‘Humanitarian Foundation’ has come forward in building a primary school in Loykree Para of Thanchi Upazila to spread education among the people of the remote area.
About 200 kilometers away from the district headquarters, in the 6th Ward of Remakri Union, 37 families of the Mro community live in Loykree Para. It takes the better part of a day to get there by engine-boat from Thanchi Upazila Sadar. Government health services have not reached the area, neither are there any government primary school, safe water supply or road transport systems.
The people of Loykree Para are devoid of most fundamental needs, the most highly educated person there has studied up to Class-4. However, this year, the non-government development organization ‘Humanitarian Foundation’ has come forward in the area. Now, people can see a small fenced hut in Loykree Para, with the flag of Bangladesh flying above, and children singing the national anthem.
The school started in January of 2023. Sukra Sen Tongchangya, a teacher of the school says there are currently 26 students in the school, with 14 in kindergarten, 7 in Class-1, 2 in Class-2, 2 in Class-3 and 4 in Class-4. He also expressed his hope that his students will attain higher levels of education than him and live a modern life. Despite his physical disabilities, he is working tirelessly with meager wages.
Mui Tong Mro Karbari (75), president of Loykree Para Primary School Direction Committee says a primary school has been established by Humanitarian Foundation this year, residents of the Para are happy and grateful to the foundation for the school. The teacher takes classes regularly. He expressed the hope that Humanitarian Foundation and the government will be alert so that the education of the students remain uninterrupted.
It has been found that 23 primary schools are being run by Humanitarian Foundation in the remote areas of Thanchi Upazila including Yang Nang Para, Boromodok Para, Shoto Modok Para, Hoiko Khumi Para, Kyamong Tripura Para, Aunghla Para, Shajai Khumi Para, Plydong Para, Chai Hla U Para and other areas.
A total of 986 students are studying in these schools. A total of 46 teachers are working with meagre wages in these schools, with 2 teachers in each school.
Humanitarian Foundation’s Primary Education Programme was initiated in the year 2004. Students who passed Class-5 are brought to the Zila City and were provided residence in hostels until they passed SSC. Afterwards, the meritorious students are given the chance to study in general universities, medical colleges and agricultural universities, with Humanitarian Foundation bearing the full cost. Eighteen students are currently studying under this programme in various higher educational institutions around the country.
Bidya Purna Chakma, Project Coordinator of Humanitarian Foundation says Bandarban Zila Primary Education Office provides books, syllabuses, training to teachers and other necessary aid to the schools. Education officers perform field inspections and provide advice.
Mong Mong Shing, Executive Director of Humanitarian Foundation says since the government has declared primary education to be compulsory, Humanitarian Foundation runs these schools with its own funds out of a sense of social responsibility, despite not finding donors.
Mui Sui Thui Marma, Chairman of Remakri Union says the non-government organization has played a pioneering role in the spread of education in the remote areas of Thanchi. He also says the highest level of cooperation is being given in the matter of primary education.
Md Abdul Mannan, Zila Primary Education Officer says if someone applies for a school following the government’s guidelines, then the children of Remakri Union will be brought under government primary school education and the private primary schools will be supplied with books, training for the teachers and school inspections in accordance with the school’s permit.
