Students resume classes post-floods, but rain threat looms again

After nearly two months of disruption caused by devastating floods, students have finally returned to their school buildings in Baupur Mand (Sultanpur Lodhi) and Dhakka Basti (Shahkot).

Regular classes resumed last week at Government Primary School Dhakka Basti, and about two days ago at Government Primary School Baupur and Government High School Baupur Jadid — marking a significant milestone in the recovery process of these flood-affected areas.

However, rain has again disrupted access to the school buildings today. Many students could not reach the premises due to the rain. An alert for three more days of rainfall has further heightened anxiety among school staff and parents.

During the flood crisis, when school buildings were rendered non-functional, classes were shifted to the modest home of the mid-day meal cook in Dhakka Basti village. In this temporary setup, more than 40 students continued their education under cramped but determined conditions. Despite the challenges, a team of three dedicated teachers walked 1.5 kilometres every day, braving damaged roads, slippery tracks and muddy fields to ensure learning did not stop.

“Our children have suffered enough. We couldn’t let their education be another casualty of the floods,” said one of the teachers, who remained committed to teaching even in the toughest conditions. Teachers have expressed concern over the academic setbacks students have already faced. “They’ve been out of touch with regular studies for too long. Online classes were not a feasible option for most of our students. Rebuilding their routine and covering the syllabus will take time,” shared one teacher.

Despite uncertain weather and infrastructure challenges, the spirit of the school community remains unbroken.