Kathihar: Amid the struggle to find dry land for teaching the students, teachers in flood-hit Maraland Village of Manihari in Bihar's Kathihar have found a novel idea to make sure that the students do not lose their precious time. The teachers are teaching the students in a make-shift school on a boat. Two teachers Pankaj and Ravindra are providing education to the children on the boat, that too free of cost.
Even though floodwaters have risen to the waist level, it does not break the determination of teachers to provide education to the students of the village.
The floods have wreaked havoc in Bihar since June and almost every place is inundated. The people struggle to find dry places to even cremate their deads. Owing to the pandemic, the schools were closed and the floods are posing challenges.
'This is a flood-prone area. Water stays here for six months. It remains dry for six months. In such a situation, we have a deep relationship with the boats. The boats have been our only option. Here children are not afraid of water and it has become a habit. When we came here 12 days ago, we used to come wet. But now it has become accessible," said Pankaj Kumar Sah.
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The paucity of the space is also making it difficult for the students. Earlier, only 3-4 students would turn up for studies but now the number has increased.
One of the students said that his exams are approaching and the school is yet to complete the syllabus.
"I am in matriculation. The syllabus is not completed due to lockdown. Our seniors said that they would teach us to complete the syllabus. There was no space, so they started teaching on the boat. We have a close relationship with the boat. Because of this, there is no fear on the boat. I want to join the Indian Army. That's why I need to study," said Amirlal Kumar, a student.
The boat keeps on moving on the waves and the children keep on studying.
