#Bangladesh #Education #Save the Children #Cox's Bazar #Rohingya

Sofaida's Story: Two Steps Forward

In the early hours of dawn in a Cox's Bazar refugee camp, the sun rises, casting a gentle light on the multitude of temporary shelters. Among those who wake is 14-year-old Sofaida, who begins her day filled with both hope and challenges. As the seventh of ten siblings, her life represents the resilience of many Rohingya girls fleeing from Myanmar’s violence.

Arriving in Bangladesh in 2017, Sofaida faced a multitude of obstacles, primarily due to her physical disability that made simple tasks—such as walking—quite difficult. Initially, she relied on her father to carry her to a learning center daily. However, cultural beliefs soon hindered her access to education, and when COVID-19 struck, her hopes of returning to learning faded.

Fortunately, 2022 brought new opportunities as Sofaida enrolled in the Community-Based Learning Facility established by Save the Children, with the support of Education Cannot Wait. This facility is dedicated to providing educational assistance specifically for girls and is designed to be easily accessible, thus ensuring that those like Sofaida can bridge the educational gap that has widened due to past experiences.

"I enjoy coming here. I’ve learned poetry, the alphabet, and so many other subjects," Sofaida shares, reflecting her newfound enthusiasm for learning. Unique to these Community-Based Learning Facilities is their focus on female empowerment, as classes are taught by female teachers of both Bangladeshi and Rohingya backgrounds. This careful selection helps to alleviate parental concerns about their daughters' safety in educational contexts.

Sofaida’s experience at the learning facility went beyond academics. When it became apparent that she required help with mobility, staff from Humanity Inclusion reached out to provide tailored exercises and support. Eventually, through dedicated practice, she gained greater independence and confidence.

"After doing exercises, I can now walk reasonably well," she proudly states. Attending classes regularly has empowered her to make new friendships and engage actively in team activities: "I have two very good friends here. We study, play, and I often visit their homes."

The impact of these learning facilities transcends individual growth; they are reshaping cultural views on female education within the community. As Sofaida’s teacher, Kulsoma, emphasizes, the program not only facilitates education but also works to reshape the perceptions surrounding girls' participation in such initiatives. In societies where girls face barriers to education due to cultural norms, these all-female learning environments removed significant obstacles by ensuring that girls could learn within close proximity to their homes and under the guidance of female educators.

Despite the ongoing struggles faced by Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, programs like these provide essential opportunities for girls who might otherwise be left behind. ECW has been instrumental in creating safe, holistic learning spaces amidst adversity, reflecting a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations. It is a reminder that education is not just a privilege but a right that can ignite the potential within every child.

Sofaida's journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. With ongoing support and additional resources, organizations can continue to expand learning opportunities and allow more girls to write their own success stories. Although the road ahead remains long and challenging, Sofaida is already making strides—both in her mobility and her dreams for the future.