13-year-old Afika and her family were forced to flee from their home in Maungdaw, Myanmar when a local militia attacked their village. The village had been beautiful, surrounded by greenery and there was a large field close to Afika’s house where all the local children would play.
One day, while the children were playing, they noticed thick black smoke rising in the distance, accompanied by loud, terrifying sounds. Afika and her older brother were scared and they ran home. Afika didn’t understand what was going on, but her family were very upset.
The militia had reached Maungdaw and begun attacking civilians - burning homes and ruthlessly killing people. The situation quickly got worse and families started to flee from their homes, making the long journey to Bangladesh to seek safety.
Afika’s family left their home under the cover of night. Afika was only small and her father had to carry her on his shoulders along steep, winding paths for hours on end.
Eventually, they reached a river, where huge crowds of people were trying to cram into boats to make the crossing to Bangladesh. Afika’s family managed to squeeze onto a boat, but they didn’t know where they were going or what lay ahead.
The family arrived in Bangladesh, amidst a sea of people, they were given food and water and eventually taken to a camp in Kutupalong, where they were given a place to stay. They didn’t know what the future held for them, but they were finally safe.
Near their new home within Kutupalong camp is a school supported by Children on the Edge. Afika’s father was quick to enrol her and her siblings so that they could have an opportunity to learn.
Afika says that school is fun, she enjoys the digital lessons and dreams of participating in Moja Kids someday. She loves learning and she shares everything she learns with her family at home. Afika dreams of becoming a doctor when she grows up so she can help other people in her community.
Afika enjoys listening to stories about Myanmar’s culture shared by her teachers, as it helps her stay connected to her roots. She holds onto hope and believes that one day, she and her family will return to their homeland.
