Architect Mohammad Rezwan, the inventor of Bangladesh Boat School, has received one of the highest honors in Taiwan, the 'Global Love of Lives Awards' which is also known as 'Nobel Life Prize'. Since 1998, Taiwan's Cho Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation has been giving this award in recognition of selfless work for people. Bangladeshi architect Mohammad Rezwan has been selected as one of the winners of the 27th 'Global Love of Lives Awards' for his creation of a boat school that has created a response at home and abroad from the thought of 'dealing with the effects of climate change'. The award is given globally in recognition of selfless work for people. Rezwan has been honored in the 'Medal of Achievements' category for providing education to the underprivileged population through innovative boat schools for a long time. Sidhulai Self-Reliance Organization, a non-governmental development organization founded by Mohammad Rezwan, announced this information in a press release yesterday.
According to the press release, on September 27, the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) honored Rezwan and other awardees at his office in Lai Ching. In a speech delivered there, President Lai Ching-te said, “As an architect, Rezwan has created a solution to adapt to climate change that is benefiting the world. His floating school has ensured hope and education for children.” There, as the head of the delegation, Rezwan also addressed the President, other high-ranking government officials, CTK Foundation staff and volunteers and the awardees.
A 16-member jury selected Rezwan from among 3,499 nominees from around the world. He is recognized for inventing boat schools and starting the global floating education movement. The award is given in four categories: bravery, kindness, diligence and achievement.
In a response, CTK Foundation founder Cho Chin-hua said, “Rezwan's innovation is an effective way to combat the effects of climate change and he is truly the 'Earth Hero of Bangladesh'. Our award recognizes his contributions to environmental sustainability and climate adaptation over the past two decades.” Mohammad Rezwan, executive director of Sidhulai Self-Reliance Organization, said, “Like the people of Bangladesh, the people of Taiwan are resilient, they have rebuilt their affected areas after every natural disaster. So I feel honored to receive this recognition from Taiwan for our boat school. They asked us to build a boat school on the river of Formosa (beautiful island). I hope that we Bangladeshis will be able to find solutions to the problems of the people of the world through many more life-changing creations and innovations.
It should be noted that in 1998, Natore's son Mohammad Rezwan established Sidhulai Organization. And in 2002 he invented 'Naukaiskul' floated in the waters of Chalanbil.
Rezwan and his organization Sidhulai established the right of all children, especially underprivileged girls, to go to school despite increasing floods and poverty due to climate disasters. The Government of Bangladesh has included its innovation (Floating/Boat School) in the Bangladesh National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050). Today, this unique innovation of Rezwan has spread beyond the borders of the country to 8 more countries.
Bangladeshi architect Mohammad Rezwan's boat school concept has received official recognition as an 'innovation' from various UN funds and programs such as UNICEF, UNEP and UNDP. Also, in the famous British book "Earth Heroes" published in 2019, Rezwan's name has been recorded in the list of 20 "Earth Heroes" of the world. Rezwan and his floating school subject have been included in the textbooks of various classes of primary and secondary schools in various countries of the world including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Taiwan.
Sidhulai Organization founded by Mohammad Rezwan is a national level NGO with 16 international awards. It has been operating floating schools, libraries, health centers, play-grounds and floating training centers in flood prone areas of Natore, Pabna and Sirajganj districts. Currently there are 26 boating schools. Each school boat has a classroom for 30 students, with a total of 90 students studying in three daily shifts of 30 students each. There are also internet-connected laptops and hundreds of books. The boats run solar-powered laptops and teach grades one through five. This boat school follows national and river based environmental curriculum, which teaches students to protect rivers and biodiversity.
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