Introduction
Six years have passed since the Rohingya crisis unfolded in August 2017. It’s time to take a step back to understand how the Rohingya community in Bangladesh—particularly the youth—is coping with the myriad of changes affecting their lives. This blog takes you on a journey through the challenges, resilience, and current realities of Rohingya adolescents, exploring the profound effects of displacement on their mental well-being and holistic development in crisis settings.
By understanding the cultural context and the ways in which multifaceted activities contribute to the positive growth, education, and mental health of these adolescents, professionals can tailor interventions that resonate with the culture, values, and needs of the Rohingya community.
Empowering through Education
In the context of Myanmar, educational opportunities for the Rohingya community were met with significant challenges, particularly limiting the academic progress of male participants to grades three or four. Conversely, most female participants encountered a complete lack of educational access. A pivotal shift occurred upon seeking refuge in Bangladesh. While some male participants managed to extend their academic pursuits to grade seven, female participants were able to gain fundamental knowledge up to class four.
The establishment of learning centres—encompassing multi-purpose centres, CODEC learning centres, and Mukti Cox’s Bazar—played a crucial role in shaping this narrative. Private tuition also supported these efforts. Despite challenges, both young men and women showed strong dedication to learning and becoming proficient in Burmese, English, and numeracy. This underscores the Rohingya community’s resilience, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, a commitment to education can break down barriers and pave the way for a better future.
BRAC Adolescent Centre
In the learning centres, Rohingya youth gained knowledge in subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and social studies. Additionally, they were introduced to traditional Rohingya kabbiyas. Upon joining the BRAC Adolescent Centre, male participants have had the opportunity to expand their skills by learning about operating solar panels, AC/DC power supplies, and batteries. They have acquired the know-how to install and maintain solar panels at home. On the other hand, female participants focused on developing tailoring and sewing skills. They learned various techniques, such as cutting fabrics and adding embroidered flower designs, showcasing the diverse skills being cultivated within the Rohingya community.
Through life skill-based sessions, individuals have gained valuable insights into building a better future. They now understand the importance of not marrying before 18 and the significance of not mistreating young children. Practical aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating and sleeping on time, have been emphasized. They have also been equipped with essential life skills, including good manners and the ability to foster positive relationships with others. The positive feedback from individuals reflects their appreciation for these learnings, acknowledging their potential to contribute to future employment opportunities and financial success.
Exploring their Interest and Future Aspiration
Expressing their aspirations, adolescent participants of the centre have shown a keen interest in volunteering for NGOs. A male participant expressed his desire to further his education with the aim of teaching younger children. Among female participants, some are eager to delve into Bengali language studies, while others aspire to learn English. A few participants expressed a specific interest in enhancing their tailoring skills through machine use. Notably, a female participant voiced her ambition to learn more about first aid, indicating a practical goal of acquiring skills that could lead to work opportunities and income generation. These ambitions highlight the diverse learning objectives and career aspirations within the group.
Friendship among Rohingya Adolescents
Male adolescents predominantly spend time playing various outdoor and indoor games, including football, cricket, volleyball, basketball, carrom, and marbles. Some engage in traditional games like sallum, while girls play chhanhadda with different homemade items. Interestingly, male participants focus less on making toys, favouring to play with marbles or other sports equipment, whereas female participants enjoy crafting toys with materials like soil, bamboo, and tree bark.
In their leisure time, both male and female participants commonly engage in playing and chatting with friends. Married female participants spend quality moments with their children, while those over 15 often dedicate their leisure time to sewing and embroidery. Memories of playing with friends in Myanmar are fondly shared by almost all participants. At the BRAC Learning Center, participants discuss their emotional well-being with friends and facilitators, receiving attentive advice that brings a sense of calm.
How Play Reduces Conflict
Engaging in play proves to be a remedy for staying free from trouble within the Rohingya community. When a problem arises during a game, older individuals often step in to resolve it, fostering a sense of unity. Playing creates an avenue for getting along with everyone, emphasizing the inclusive nature of these activities. Additionally, adolescent participants shared that playing contributes to a positive state of mind. According to them, a calm mind facilitates harmonious living with everyone, underlining the therapeutic value of play in navigating life’s challenges.
Conclusion
Amidst challenging circumstances, the remarkable resilience of adolescents within the Rohingya community can be observed. Despite facing severe adversities, these young individuals consistently display a friendly disposition and a genuine affection for play. Interestingly, they navigate their relationships with peers by steering clear of conflicts and instead cultivate enduring bonds. It’s worth noting that although constrained by limited space in the camp, they maintain their enthusiasm for play during adolescence, often reminiscing about the carefree playtimes of their childhood. This narrative depicts the community’s enduring spirit, suggesting a hopeful perspective despite the current challenges they face.
Fahad Al Mahmood is a Senior Officer, Marketing and Ayman Maeesha Ali is a Marketing Communications Officer at BRAC Institute of Educational Development.
