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

Introduction

In a significant development aimed at addressing the urgent educational needs of Rohingya refugee children, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has announced a new emergency grant of $3.5 million. This initiative is developed in collaboration with strategic donor partners and is targeted at providing education to those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh. With a focus on restoring access to schooling, this grant is set to impact approximately 180,000 children residing in the Cox's Bazar region, which is home to the largest refugee camp globally.

Background of the Crisis

The Rohingya people have faced immense hardships, having fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. As they seek refuge in Bangladesh, education has become a critical concern. Prior to this grant, ECW had already invested $50.7 million in the region, benefiting over 386,000 children, predominantly Rohingya refugees. The funds not only provided educational resources but also focused on building vital infrastructure, including 2,300 classrooms and financial support for 2,700 educators.

Objectives of the New Grant

The funds from this grant will be utilized to restore vital educational services in a safe environment. It aims to ensure that children receive not only traditional academic instruction but also training on disaster-risk reduction, gender sensitivity, mental health, and psychosocial support. These aspects are essential for offering holistic education during these turbulent times.

Rana Flowers, the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Every child deserves the chance to learn, no matter the crisis. This support from Education Cannot Wait is a lifeline.” The new funding will directly contribute to rebuilding the lives of children and fostering a brighter future for the Rohingya community.

The Role of Partnerships

The delivery of this program will be managed by UNICEF, in collaboration with local organizations such as the Community Development Centre (CODEC), Jagorani Chakra Foundation (JCF), BRAC, Mukti Cox's Bazar, Friendship, and the COAST Foundation. This collaborative approach is vital for enhancing the accessibility of education and creating protective learning environments for children.

Current Educational Landscape

As of June 2025, the educational landscape in Bangladesh has been worrying, with over 3,600 learning facilities for early childhood and elementary education still closed. The Joint Response Plan, designed to facilitate educational access during this crisis, has only managed to mobilize half of the required funding. This decline in humanitarian support highlights the urgent need for continued engagement from public and private donors.

Call to Action

Education Cannot Wait's urgent appeal underscores the necessity of expanding support for vulnerable children and youth, particularly within the Rohingya demographic. As ECW strives to deliver quality education outcomes even amidst adversity, they encourage stakeholders to unify efforts in fostering educational resilience in crisis-affected areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this $3.5 million grant serves as a beacon of hope for Rohingya children who strive to reclaim their education amid overwhelming odds. Education is not merely about academic lessons; it is a fundamental building block for dignity, stability, and empowerment, especially in times of crisis. The future of the Rohingya culture, identity, and community indeed hinges on the knowledge and skills imparted to this generation of learners.

Further Information

For more details on Education Cannot Wait and their initiatives, visit educationcannotwait.org. Follow their updates on social media to stay informed about their ongoing efforts to support education in emergencies worldwide.