Education in harmony with environment

While many children might prefer staying home to watch television or play video games, the students of Boral Bidya Niketan are eager to head to school each day.
“I enjoy going to our school. Even if it rains, we never want to skip class. We always have a good time here,” said Nirob Hossain, a fifth-grader.
Located on the bank of the Boral River in Kumargara village, Pabna, Boral Bidya Niketan has gained a reputation for its eco-friendly design and tranquil atmosphere.
The school compound includes a two-storey building and two single-storey structures built from iron, bricks, bamboo, and mud.
Instead of conventional windows, ample balconies outside the classrooms allow natural light and fresh air to flow freely. Students often gaze at the lush greenery around them as they learn.
The classrooms, equipped with fans and light bulbs, hardly require their use.
Tall trees surround the compound, providing shade that keeps the environment cool, while the clay-brick roofing and floors help maintain a comfortable temperature even during the summer months.
Two staircases, positioned at either end of the main building, allow a smooth flow of entry and exit.
The structures are supported by iron pillars wrapped in rope, enhancing the school’s rustic aesthetic.
In addition to classrooms, the school boasts a mud-walled library with a cosy atmosphere, where students spend their free time reading.
For its sustainable design, the school recently received recognition from the American Institute of Architects, winning awards in both the Inclusive Architecture and Open International categories.
Architect Iqbal Habib, also a prominent environmentalist, designed Boral Bidya Niketan as part of a project to integrate nature into the learning experience.
“The architecture symbolises freedom, showing how we can use design to create spaces that are in harmony with nature,” said Iqbal, vice-president of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon.
“Our approach combines concrete with the natural environment, ensuring that students enjoy ample sunlight, fresh air, and greenery, which creates a cheerful and healthy atmosphere year-round.”
The school is part of a broader environmental movement in the Chalan Beel region, focused on preserving local wetlands and restoring the Boral river.
Md Mizanur Rahman, who spearheads this movement, is also the founder of Boral Bidya Niketan.
“People of this region began a movement in 2008, demanding the removal of dams, roads, and sluice gates that disrupt the river’s flow to Chalan Beel,” Mizanur said.
“Over time, we realised the need to raise awareness for environmental preservation, so we decided to blend education with our mission.”
Mizanur and his wife, Dil Afroz, established the school in 2019 on an acre of ancestral land donated by Mizanur.
Iqbal joined the project, offering his architectural expertise to design the school’s unique structure.
Today, the school serves 280 students, primarily children of local fishermen and farmers.
Beyond traditional academics, the school offers environmental education through special classes on weekends, said headteacher Dil Afroz.
Parents also participate in sessions promoting environmental awareness and nurturing humane values in students.
The students are now self-motivated to keep their surroundings clean.
“We wash our hands before eating and place rubbish in designated bins, keeping our school tidy,” said Usmita Akhter, a sixth-grader.
“We also have plenty of space for playing and other activities, so we really love our school.”
Mizanur Rahman added, “We want our students to grow not only as successful professionals but as conscientious human beings.”
Currently, Boral Bidya Niketan offers classes from one to six, expanding by one class each year as part of its long-term growth plan.