THE recent floods that have ravaged Feni, Cumilla, and Noakhali have left a deep scar on the educational infrastructures of these regions.
With many schools still submerged or functioning as shelters for displaced people, the road to recovery is fraught with challenges.
As per a report of an English newspaper, the prolonged closure of educational institutions, coupled with the extensive damage to facilities, has severely disrupted the academic lives of thousands of students.
The report also said, while some institutions have managed to reopen despite significant damage, many remain unfit for use.
The local education offices must collaborate with the disaster management authorities to prioritize the rehabilitation of schools, ensuring that classrooms are safe and conducive to learning.
Immediate allocation of funds and resources is crucial for repairing damaged buildings, replacing lost furniture, and restoring essential facilities such as water, sanitation, and electricity.
In addition to physical repairs, there is a pressing need to address the academic backlog that students have incurred due to the prolonged closure of schools.
The government should implement special catch-up programs to help students recover lost time.
This could include extending the academic year, offering supplementary classes, and providing psychological support to students who have been traumatized by the disaster.
Teachers, too, need support in managing the increased workload and addressing the emotional needs of their students.
It is also essential to ensure that relief efforts are inclusive of the educational sector.
While providing food, shelter, and medical care is undoubtedly critical, education must not be overlooked.
The provision of emergency education kits, including books, stationery, and uniforms, can help students resume their studies with some semblance of normalcy.
By taking decisive action now, the government can not only restore education in these regions but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive system that can withstand future challenges.
The future of thousands of students hangs in the balance, and we must not let them down.
We urge the authority to adopt a coordinated effort to expedite the cleaning and repair of schools as it is imperative that the authorities take swift and comprehensive measures to restore education in these flood-affected areas.