Concerns arise over the future of 400,000 Rohingya children as their education faces uncertainty. Due to funding shortages, approximately 6,400 NGO-operated informal schools in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps have either cut back on classes or halted operations. UNICEF and Save the Children paused classes for students up to grade 4, impacting not only education but also the safe spaces these centers provide.
With a total budget requirement of $934 million for 1.2 million Rohingyas and 300,000 host community members, only $303 million has been secured by July 12. This shortfall means refugees may struggle to access vital rights like nutrition and healthcare. The suspension of educational services is concerning for its long-term consequences. While $72 million is needed for Rohingya children’s education this year, less than $10 million has been received. Many teachers at the centers have lost their jobs due to reduced humanitarian aid from the US.
Rohingya leaders and teachers argue against the full suspension of classes for younger students, suggesting reduced hours instead. They propose scaling back lessons for kindergarten to grade 4, similar to the reduced schedules for higher grades. This approach aims to ensure children continue learning and calls for the reinstatement of affected teachers. These suggestions are reasonable, and it is hoped that authorities will take them into account.
The learning centers symbolize hope for a brighter future for Rohingya children, and their closure jeopardizes this prospect. It is crucial for the government, international donors, and NGOs to collaborate in securing alternative funding to sustain educational initiatives in the camps. This joint effort is essential to prevent these vulnerable children from becoming a lost generation.