Bangladesh

Since 2017, close to a million Rohingya have sought refuge in Bangladesh to flee the violence in Myanmar. These refugees are living in 34 congested camps in the Cox’s Bazar district where they lack many basic services. More than half of those living in the camps are children whose needs for education, health care, nutrition, and WASH are not met.

Schools in Cox’s Bazar have the country’s lowest retention and achievement rates, going back to before 2017. Children living in the camps face significant challenges, from shortages of learning spaces to poor quality of teaching. Many Rohingya children experienced stress and/or trauma caused by conflict and forced displacement, affecting their ability to concentrate on their studies. This is particularly the case for adolescent girls, who are often the most excluded from learning, as most girls are withdrawn from school by their families once they reach puberty.

Most children have never participated in formal schooling. Those not in school often find little to do in the camps, and the lack of opportunities to learn or engage in activities places them at high risk of exploitation, abuse, child marriage and early pregnancy. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the risks for vulnerable children and adolescents, with the temporary closure of all learning facilities in the camps.

To address these challenges, ECW’s support focuses on increasing access to education with safe and inclusive learning environments; improving quality through teaching; and incorporating community participation to increase the programme’s reach.