Two Steps Forward: The Inspiring Journey of Sofaida in a Refugee Camp

A Journey of Hope: Sofaida's Story

As dawn breaks over the refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, a gentle light illuminates the winding paths that connect thousands of temporary shelters. Among these paths walks Sofaida, a 14-year-old Rohingya girl, embarking on her daily journey toward education, despite the challenges that life has thrown her way.

Sofaida's family, originally from Myanmar, fled to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape violence. Tragically, she was born with a physical disability that hindered her ability to walk unaided, complicating everyday activities and making it extremely difficult to attend school. Her father would carry her each day, but cultural beliefs later led her family to stop supporting her educational aspirations.

Fortunately, Sofaida found a beacon of hope when community-based learning centers for girls, established by Save the Children and funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), opened nearby. These centers cater specifically to girls and offer specialized support, allowing Sofaida and others like her to pursue their education safely. "I love coming here. Since I enrolled, I've learned poetry, spelling, and so much more," she shares, her enthusiasm palpable.

What sets these community centers apart is their accessibility. Located just a short walk from where the girls live and staffed by both Bangladeshi and Rohingya female teachers, these centers ease parental concerns about girls studying in mixed-gender environments. This initiative has increased the number of adolescent girls engaging in education, allowing them to acquire vital skills.

Initially, Sofaida struggled to navigate the journey to class alone, prompting Humanitarian and Inclusion staff to visit her home, assess her mobility, and provide tailored exercises to enhance her independence. Through persistent training morning and night, Sofaida has made significant progress. "After doing exercises, I walk quite well now," she proudly states.

With each passing day, Sofaida eagerly attends her learning center at 9 am, diving into various subjects, including Burmese, English, and the sciences. It is evident that her passion lies in poetry, a genre she adores and devotes herself to wholeheartedly. Her teacher, Kulsoma, has witnessed Sofaida's transformation, noting the support she receives from her peers and instructors. "I have two very good friends here. We study and play together, and I also visit them," Sofaida says, highlighting the social bonds she has formed.

The changes in Sofaida are evident to her family as well. Kulsoma reports that Sofaida’s parents have expressed heartfelt gratitude toward Young Power in Social Action, ECW, and Humanitarian and Inclusion for the support provided to their daughter. In a culture where familial restrictions often limit girls' mobility, the community’s efforts to create safe educational spaces have become crucial.

Despite the dire conditions in the overcrowded camps where violence, floods, and fires are common threats, Sofaida’s story reminds us of the potential that every child carries. Her journey reflects the possibilities that education can unlock, even in the most challenging of environments.

As the ECW continues to advocate for educational resources and safe learning spaces in Cox's Bazar, the urgency for support remains high. Many Rohingya children still lack access to quality education, healthcare, and basic necessities like clean water.

Sofaida is already writing her story, and as her journey unfolds, we must ensure that other girls have the chance to write theirs too. Name changed to protect anonymity.