Inspiring Rohingya Girls to Attend School

In the ‘mega camps’ of Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees are stuck living in one of the toughest environments on earth. There is little access to education and girls face pressure to stay home. But in spite of this, there is hope.

Bristy, one of our Project Officers, tells us more about how she’s working to change attitudes and encourage girls to attend school.

When I was young, it was expected I would get married after completing secondary school, at around age 14. But I didn’t want to get married, I was determined to get an education and have my independence rather than marrying young. Thankfully, my mother supported my decision.

During high school and college, I faced regular unwelcome marriage proposals, a constant reminder of the path expected of me. But I was determined to complete my education and fund my own university place, which I did, and also went on to complete my Masters in Business Administration.  

In 2018, I began working as a Project Officer for Mukti Cox’s Bazar, working with Children on the Edge to support the learning centres for Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong camp.  

Within the Rohingya culture, pressure is still placed on girls to leave education and help at home, and many feel that religious instruction should be prioritised for children. We try hard to tackle these attitudes and encourage girls to attend school.

My colleagues and I make sure we have regular conversations with Imams and parents to talk about the benefits of mainstream education for all. 

We also make sure lesson times in our classrooms don’t overlap with madrassas (religious school / lessons). 

We train our teachers on PSEAH (prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment) so they can help to protect students and spot the signs of abuse. 

As a result, in the last six months, we have seen an increase in attendance (especially for girls) in our classrooms in Kutupalong and on Bhasan Char island, where many refugees have been relocated. 

All the teachers are passionate about ensuring Rohingya girls can come to school and act as role models for the students to show what is possible with an education. They are making a huge difference, with attendance at the learning centres rising from 92% to 95% in Kutupalong in the past six months.

I was not deterred by the challenge of working with refugees, and hoped to break down barriers and earn the trust of the community in order to make a meaningful contribution and difference. I am so pleased that we are seeing that difference now, with so many of the girls thriving at the learning centres. 

Student Morina says:

“I can see a lot of change in me. I am now studying in Grade 3 and wish to study to higher grades. I am confident I can do it. Through learning here, my confidence has increased a lot.”

From a personal perspective, I achieved my dream of fighting back against the pressure to marry young, and now I work in this remarkable programme, bringing education to countless Rohingya children, helping them grow in confidence.

I want to continue to challenge those attitudes with the Rohingya community, so that girls can benefit from the power of education.

MEET FATEMA

12-year-old Fatema has flourished since joining one of our learning centres in Kutupalong in 2018. Her teacher described how ‘her eyes sparkled with joy’ when she received her first book. Fatema’s hard work and determination has helped her make steady progress with her studies.

Fatema has not only begun to regain a sense of safety and care, she has had fun, made friends, expressed herself and learned many skills, including reading and writing in both Burmese and English. 

Your donation can support staff like Bristy, who work to ensure that so many Rohingya girls can access education and thrive in school.