#Bangladesh #ECW #Cox's Bazar #Rohingya

Education Cannot Wait's Grant to Bangladesh

In a significant announcement for the educational landscape in crisis-hit regions, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has revealed a transformative grant of $3.5 million intended to support the escalating Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The initial educational initiative will be executed in collaboration with UNICEF and various local partners who are directly engaged in outreach efforts. This program is crucial for reinstating access to education for approximately 180,000 children residing in the tumultuous environment of Cox’s Bazar, which hosts the world’s largest refugee camp.

Building on Previous Successes

This latest grant from ECW builds upon its substantial investment of $50.7 million in Bangladesh to date, which has already benefited over 386,000 children—an impressive 96% of whom are Rohingya refugees. The funds allocated thus far have had a significant impact, facilitating the construction and rehabilitation of 2,300 classrooms, providing financial support for approximately 2,700 educators, and delivering critical training focused on important subjects such as disaster-risk reduction, gender awareness, mental health, and psychosocial support for educators and administrators stationed in the frontlines of this underreported crisis.

Engaging Local Partners

The current emergency grant, termed the First Emergency Response, aims to urgently restore life-saving educational access in Cox’s Bazar. This initiative will be executed by UNICEF in partnership with vital local organizations such as the Community Development Centre (CODEC), Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF), BRAC, Mukti Cox's Bazar, Friendship, and COAST Foundation. By tapping into these local networks, the initiative seeks to create more inclusive educational opportunities within a secure and protected environment—something that is absolutely critical given the volatile conditions faced by the Rohingya.

The Importance of Access to Education

Rana Flowers, the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, expressed, “Every child deserves the right to learn, regardless of the crises they face. Support from Education Cannot Wait is a real lifeline. It goes beyond books and lessons—it’s about dignity, stability, and a future that these children rightfully deserve.” This statement underscores the urgent need for educational access as a means of restoring hope, dignity, and skills to the Rohingya children, equipping them for when it is safe to return to their homes.

Challenges Ahead

However, the backdrop against this initiative is marked by formidable challenges. A decline in humanitarian support, including education funding, jeopardizes the fragile progress that has been painstakingly established in Bangladesh. As of June 2025, more than 3,600 educational facilities catering to children from preschool to grade four have been closed, illustrating the dire circumstances on the ground. Current analyses reveal that only half of the needed funding has been mobilized under the Joint Response Plan, highlighting the gaps in resources necessary to ensure comprehensive educational access amidst ongoing turmoil.

A Call for Continued Support

In light of these challenges, ECW emphatically urges both public and private sector donors to bolster their contributions, aiming to reach a larger number of children and youth enduring difficult circumstances. As a global fund established under the auspices of the United Nations, ECW is dedicated to ensuring that quality education reaches girls and boys affected by displacement and various crises, making it clear that no child should be left behind.

For more information about this initiative and how to contribute, visit Education Cannot Wait.

Conclusion

In summary, ECW’s new grant represents not just a financial contribution, but a hopeful step towards the restoration and enhancement of educational opportunities for Rohingya children who have faced extraordinary challenges. Through partnerships with local entities and a commitment to inclusive educational frameworks, this initiative serves as a crucial reminder of the transformative power of education amidst adversity.