Solar-Powered Floating Schools Allow Bangladeshi Kids to Learn During Monsoon Season

When it rains it pours in Bangladesh during the monsoon season, and hundreds of schools frequently shut down as a result. That's why the non profit organization <a href="http://www.shidhulai.org">Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha</a> was founded in 2002 to build solar-powered boat schools that provide uninterrupted education year round. The simple floating structures are made of locally-sourced natural materials, and each boat is equipped with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/rooftop-solar-panels/">rooftop solar panels</a>, a small library with electronic resources, and a laptop with internet connectivity.

Shidhulai Swanirvar Sanstha is a non-profit organization that built these solar-powered floating boats for kids in Bangladesh

Each boat has a capacity of roughly 30 students

They are equipped with a library, electronic resources, a laptop with internet connectivity, and rooftop solar panels

The boats are simple and made from local, sustainable materials

The organization also provides solar powered lanterns that allow children to learn after dark

During monsoon season, schools often close for up to four months a year, completely disrupting classes.