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Supporting Rohingya Children's Education in Bangladesh

On November 11, 2025, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) in collaboration with strategic donor partners, announced a $3.5 million emergency grant to address the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. This funding aims to restore education for an estimated 180,000 children displaced in Cox's Bazar, home to the world's largest refugee camp.

The Importance of Education in Crises

Education plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of children affected by crises, providing them not just with learning opportunities but also with a sense of normalcy and hope for the future. The new funding will significantly enhance efforts to provide essential education to Rohingya children who have faced tremendous hardships due to ongoing conflicts and displacement.

Historically, ECW has invested around $50.7 million in Bangladesh, impacting over 386,000 children, with 96% being Rohingya refugees. The funding utilized has led to the construction and improvement of approximately 2,300 classrooms and has extended financial support to around 2,700 educators. Additionally, teachers have received vital training on topics such as disaster-risk reduction, gender equality, mental health, and psychosocial support.

Collaborating with Local Organizations

To ensure that educational support is effectively delivered, ECW is working closely with various local organizations, including the Community Development Centre (CODEC), Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF), BRAC, Mukti Cox's Bazar, Friendship, and the COAST Foundation. This partnership enhances the effort towards creating safe and protective learning environments where children can thrive.

A Voice for Hope

Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the critical nature of this support: "Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, no matter the crisis. The assistance provided by Education Cannot Wait is a lifeline. It is more than just books and lessons; it offers a pathway to dignity, stability, and the future that every child deserves. This support will equip Rohingya children with the skills, confidence, and hope they need to rebuild their communities once they can safely return home. The future of the Rohingya people—its culture, identity, and voice—depends on the education provided to children today."

The Need for Continued Support

Despite the milestones achieved, the decreasing humanitarian aid, particularly funding allocated for education, jeopardizes the progress made in Bangladesh. As of June 2025, more than 3,600 educational institutions, which cater to children from early childhood to fourth grade, remain closed. A recent analysis indicated only half of the combined response plan has been mobilized to date, highlighting the need for urgent action and funding.

About Education Cannot Wait

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) serves as the global fund of the United Nations for education in emergencies and prolonged crises. The organization is dedicated to promoting quality educational outcomes for boys and girls who are refugees, internally displaced, or affected by other crises, ensuring that no child is left behind. ECW operates within the multilateral system to accelerate crisis responses and connect immediate relief efforts with longer-term interventions through multi-year programming.

In summary, the recent grant by Education Cannot Wait is a crucial intervention in the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, ensuring that children access the education vital for their development, identity, and a hopeful future. Continued support from both public and private sectors remains essential to assist even more vulnerable children and youth.

For more information, visit Education Cannot Wait. Follow @EduCannotWait and @YasmineSherif1 on Twitter for updates.