Learning With A View: How Floating Schools On Dal Lake Are Changing Education In Kashmir

For many children in Kashmir, going to school is not easy. They have to travel across Dal Lake by boat because there are no roads connecting their homes to nearby schools. To help children continue their education, local people started floating schools. These schools are built on boats or floating platforms and give children a safe place to learn close to home, reported Wodne Sprawy.

The first floating school was started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic was not the only reason for school closures. Schools in Kashmir had already been closed many times because of political tensions between India and Pakistan. These sudden closures made it difficult for children to study regularly. Many parents were also worried about

sending their children on long and risky boat trips to schools in Srinagar.

Every morning, children travel to the floating schools by boat. Younger children go with their parents, while older students row their own boats. On the way, they see people going to the market, carrying vegetables, or traveling to the mosque. The journey is an important part of their daily life.

The floating classrooms are simple, with benches and blackboards. Children study subjects like mathematics, Urdu, English, history, and geography. They also learn about nature because they spend their school day on the lake. During the cold winter, when the lake is not safe, classes stop. Teachers then visit students at home and bring them books and study materials.

These schools are run by parents and local organizations, not by the government. The main goal is to help children learn, not just earn good grades. Small class sizes allow teachers to give more attention to each student. The schools also plan to teach computer skills using solar-powered computers. Parents pay small fees to help buy notebooks, chalk, and other school supplies. Today, several floating schools are helping children across Kashmir continue their education.