#Bangladesh #Education Cannot Wait #UNICEF #Cox's Bazar #Rohingya

Education Cannot Wait Announces Lifeline for Rohingya Refugee Children

In a groundbreaking announcement made on November 11, 2025, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) declared a grant of $3.5 million aimed at supporting the educational needs of 180,000 Rohingya refugee children affected by the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. This initiative, executed in collaboration with UNICEF and a dedicated network of local partners, marks a crucial step towards restoring vital educational opportunities in one of the world’s largest refugee camps located in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Responding to a Dire Need
The Rohingya crisis has created an unprecedented need for educational support as the socio-political situation remains precarious. With many children stripped of their chance at education, this grant will help ensure that they are provided with safe and inclusive educational environments. The funds will directly assist in revamping learning spaces, supplying essential materials, and training educators on how to meet the unique needs of refugee students.

Building on Past Investments
This new funding is part of a larger effort by ECW, which has already invested over $50.7 million in educational programs throughout Bangladesh, benefiting more than 386,000 children, with an impressive 96% of these being Rohingya refugees. So far, ECW has supported the construction and rehabilitation of 2,300 classrooms and provided financial assistance to 2,700 educators. Their efforts also include comprehensive training in areas such as disaster-risk reduction, mental health, and psychosocial support, providing educators with the tools they need to foster a nurturing learning environment.

Voices from the Field
Rana Flowers, UNICEF's representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the significance of this support by stating, "Every child has the right to learn, regardless of the crisis they face. This support from Education Cannot Wait represents real assistance. It’s not just about books and teaching – it’s a bridge to dignity, stability, and a future that children deserve." She highlighted the importance of equipping children with skills, confidence, and hope as they work towards rebuilding their communities when they can safely return home.

Continuing Challenges
While this new funding is a beacon of hope, it also comes amid a backdrop of declining humanitarian aid, particularly in the education sector. Reports indicate that as of June 2025, over 3,600 educational facilities from preschool to grade four remain closed. An alarming analysis revealed that only half of the planned funding outlined in the Joint Response Plan has been secured to date.

Call to Action
Education Cannot Wait continues to urge both public and private sector donors to expand their support and reach even more vulnerable children and youth. The organization operates within a multilateral framework that not only speeds up crisis response but also links immediate aid with long-term interventions through multi-year programs.

For more information, visit Education Cannot Wait and follow them on Twitter at @EduCannotWait.

Through this collaborative effort, Education Cannot Wait, alongside UNICEF and local partners, strives to ensure that the voices, culture, identity, and future of the Rohingya children are not lost as they navigate these challenging times. Learning is not just a necessity; it is a fundamental right that every child deserves, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in.