Nural tells us about lockdown learning and finally going back to school.

Nural Islam (in blue shirt) learning with one of his friends during lockdown.

Nural Islam, is a seven year old student at one of the community schools we support in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. We’ve been chatting to him throughout 2021 so far, to get his thoughts and feelings about the schools and life in lockdown. 

Back in March 2021 he told us how school had boosted his confidence and how supportive his teachers were;

 “I have been happier since being part of the school and I feel that I am liked. I am happy to put my hand up and sometimes I like to join in with the discussions or try a hard task. The teacher loves us, gives us advice and uses stories to explain things. She doesn’t get angry but she does tell us not to be naughty! She always helps us with our school work.” ​

At the time, Bangladesh was in lockdown due to the pandemic and the school that Nural attends was closed, but there were hopes that restrictions would be eased and school would be able to reopen after Eid (12th May 2021).

Whilst his school was closed, Nural continued his learning by taking part in small group lessons in his community, but he was really missing his lessons and friends. 

 “I always love going to school, but we have not been able to go during lockdown. I am looking forward to going again as I like the reading and writing, the playing and the games. I like my school and want to come again, I can’t wait to enjoy time with my friends.” 

As Ramadan started (12th April 2021), lockdown restrictions were tightened in Bangladesh. Nural was still excited about Ramadan and told us how special it was to him, but his father Khurshed Alam, said that the pandemic had affected his livelihood and the family weren’t able to celebrate as they normally would.

 "Compared to other years Ramadan me and my family are not able to celebrate well this year. Due to lockdown I am not able to go outside to earn money by driving a taxi. All public transport is restricted to move. The irony is from the first day of Ramadan the stricter lockdown started.”

As Eid passed, restrictions were not eased and Bangladesh remained in a prolonged state of lockdown. 
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After 18 months of closures, Nural’s school was finally allowed to reopen in September 2021. We caught up with Nural on his first day back at school, he was thrilled to be back in the classrooms with his friends.

Despite all of the disruptions to his education over the past 18 months, Nural is positive that it won’t stop him from achieving his dreams to attend higher education and become a doctor.

Watch the video to see how Nural’s first day back at school went:

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Back to school in Bangladesh
Due to a prolonged state of national lockdown in Bangladesh, children have been unable to attend school for the last 18 months.

Click below to read about the preparations that were put in place to be able to safely reopen schools when we finally received the go-ahead in September 2021. 

Read about the preparations to reopen schools in Bangladesh after lockdown

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