The New Nation - Internet Edition

Most part of the remote Chalanbeel region of North Bengal is difficult to access by road, and most travel is by boat Many people have no land with which to support themselves and no access to education, training or modern energy supplies. Shidhulai Swanirvar Sangstha, a research based development organization has overcome the challenge that the ecosystem of Bangladesh poses and has found an innovative way of delivering information technology to communities in this region. By introducing school, library and training centres on boats Shidhulai reaches children and women living at river basin, and delivers primary education, technology and agriculture trainings, and human rights information. Boat schools come to students and offer education at doorsteps, and the library consists of internet linked PC's, multimedia equipments, mobile systems, books and electronic resources. People get market information, send & receive e-mails, and contact others using mobile phones. On board video conferencing facilitated conversation between scientists and farmers. Solar photovoltaic modules generate all the electricity needed and also used to charge bateries for the portable solar home lighting systems that Shidhulai has supplied to families. To supplement the agricultural training, Shidhulai also provides bicycle water pumps, and makes micro-enterprise training available. The boats are specially designed by Shidhulai to adjustment any equipment configuration as well as to protect the electronic equipment from inclement weather. Through the work of Shidhulai thousands of families benefit from improved education, a greater understanding of sustainable agriculture practices, clean solar-powered lighting and communication with the outside world.

Photos: Abir Abdullah