Rezwan's floating school bags UNESCO Confucius Literacy Prize

Architect Mohammed Rezwan's solar-powered floating school initiative has clinched the prestigious UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy 2025. This is one of the world's highest honours in education, recognising innovative approaches to lifelong learning and literacy promotion, sponsored by the Chinese government.

From hundreds of global nominations, UNESCO selected three winning initiatives: Bangladesh's Shidhulai Floating School, Ireland's Learn with Nala e-Learning, and Morocco's Second Chance School and Inclusive Education Programme. The 20th award ceremony took place on September 27 in Qufu city, Shandong province, China—the birthplace of Confucius.

Rezwan received the trophy and certificate on behalf of his self-reliant organisation Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha. Growing up in the flood-prone Chalan Beel area, he witnessed schools shutting down annually due to inundation. Drawing from that experience, in 2002 he devised a unique solution: converting local boats into schools, known worldwide as the first floating school. Today, these solar-powered vessels function as schools, libraries, and training centres, enabling year-round education even in waterlogged villages during monsoons.

UNESCO lauded the initiative, stating: "The success of this floating school lies in delivering literacy education to marginalised communities in flood-prone regions through locally rooted innovative means."

The Shidhulai floating school model is now being replicated by various NGOs in Bangladesh and has inspired similar efforts in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Bangladesh government has incorporated Rezwan's floating school into the National Adaptation Plan 2050.

In a reaction, Mohammed Rezwan said: "Education is not just about reading and writing; it fosters peace, equality, and resilience. I hope with the power of literacy and knowledge, our youth will build a future where no disaster can halt any child's learning."

A photo exhibition titled "Boat Schools of Bangladesh—Future That Floats" is currently on at France's National Museum of Immigration History's "Migrations and Climate" exhibit, running until April 5, 2026. TRT World's documentary "Bangladesh Turns Tide on Climate Change with Floating Schools" has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Save the Children Global Media Awards 2025. Architect Rezwan's work features in Julia Watson's book "Lo–Tek: Water", highlighting 22 modern heritage-based innovations worldwide.

Born from the vast waters of Chalan Beel, this local innovation is now fuelling global discussions on literacy, design, and sustainable futures.