Teachers from various primary schools in Sunamganj are facing immense challenges due to severe flooding, while students are unable to attend classes amidst the current crisis.
As heavy rains persist, roads near the Surma River in Sunamganj's Sadar Upazila have suffered extensive damage, leaving villages isolated. Despite these conditions, several teachers, including Smritshyam Purkayastha from Godargaon Government Primary School, are making heroic efforts to reach their classrooms. They navigate through landslides and rising waters to ensure educational continuity.
The flooding, exacerbated by two rounds of floods this season, has submerged schools like Godargaon Government Primary, where even the floors are damp from water ingress. Head Teacher Elora Dey expressed concern over the safety of students and the accessibility of roads, emphasizing the need for urgent repairs.
Parents, however, are reluctant to send their children to school due to the hazardous conditions and ongoing inundation. Abdul Quddus, a local Union Parishad member, highlighted the widespread infrastructure damage and voiced fears about children's safety amidst the current road conditions.
At Barapara Government Primary School, which serves as a refuge for 70 flood victims, teachers continue to provide support to those displaced. Families like Manoara Begum's, who sought shelter after their homes were submerged, rely on the school for safety and basic amenities.
Sunamganj District Primary Education Officer Mohan Lal Das acknowledged the dire situation, noting that 59 schools are currently housing flood victims, with 238 schools affected by the floodwaters. He remains hopeful that once the waters recede, regularity will return to the region, allowing both teachers and students to resume their routines.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of teachers like Smritshyam Purkayastha and the dedication of school staff offer a ray of hope amid the ongoing crisis in Sunamganj.
