Lessons continue in Cox’s Bazar
In 2019, the Australian Humanitarian Partnership moved into Phase 2 of humanitarian response efforts in Bangladesh, supporting Rohingya refugees and host communities. Save the Children Australia leads a consortium of AHP partners that comprises CARE Australia and Oxfam Australia and their local partner organisations. Humanity and Inclusion is also a key partner and is providing advice and support to ensure a stronger focus on disability inclusion across AHP response activities, with a further specific focus on education.
Working under the name ‘Inclusive Communities’, the AHP consortium is focused on delivering health, education, integrated protection and WASH services. Partners are also working on activities aimed at building social cohesion between host and refugee communities and supporting the capacity development of local partners.
The below first-hand account from a young Rohingya girl gives insight into services and support provided through Children’s Learning Centres. This particular centre is run by Save the Children in partnership with local organisation YPSA.
Rajuma* is an 11 years old Rohingya refugee girl who lives in one of the many refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, with her parents and seven siblings. They have been on Bangladesh for more than 2 years and have moved lived in three different camps in that time.
Rajuma attends a Save the Children Learning Centre, where she can continue some education which has been disrupted since leaving Myanmar.
Above: Children living in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar can continue some learning at Child Learning Centres supported through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership. This learning centre is run by Save the Children Australia in partnership with local organisation, YPSA. Photo credit: Save the Children Australia.
“I love to come to the learning centre every day as I can learn so many things in the centre.
When we reached Bangladesh, we first took shelter in one refugee camp but we left that shelter as flood-water came into our place. We also saw a snake in the water and got frightened. However, we shifted to another camp and made a makeshift shelter but we found that very hot to live in. Therefore, we had to leave that shelter too, and made another here where we are currently living.
I attend the learning centre every day and I study in the evenings and I also help my younger sister prepare for her meals.
I learn Burmese, English, Mathematics and life skills in the learning centre, and I love learning Burmese most as this is our language and it will help us when we go back to Myanmar. I have also learnt about maintaining hygiene and teach that to my family members every time I see them doing something wrong.
“I dream to be a teacher when I grow up so that I can help other children to read and write.
“I have made some friends here in the learning centre and I play with them. We help each-other understand the lessons our teachers give us. I really love my teachers here, they are so generous and affectionate to me. They praise me when I prepare my lessons properly.'“
*Names have been changed.