By: RO Maung Shwe
In an era where technology drives education, employment, and global communication, digital literacy has become essential. Yet, for the Rohingya, decades of systemic discrimination have denied them access to technological education.
Even after fleeing Myanmar, Rohingya students in refugee camps struggle to acquire the computer skills necessary for a better future. However, individuals like Mohammed Anas, known as Ro Anas, are working tirelessly to change this reality by equipping their community with vital digital skills.
Continuing Education in Exile
After arriving in Bangladesh, Ro Anas refused to give up. He enrolled in computer courses and became a graphic designer, using his skills to help others.
He later attended advanced training in Chittagong and returned to the refugee camps, determined to teach his fellow Rohingya youth.
Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, he started offering private lessons, covering Microsoft WPS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, graphic design, and application writing.
These skills, once inaccessible, are now empowering young Rohingya to prepare for future opportunities. So far, he has trained three batches of students and is currently teaching two more groups, with 20 learners under his guidance.
Overcoming Barriers to Digital Learning
For most Rohingya youth, learning computer skills is not just about education—it is about survival. Limited access to technology, financial instability, and restrictions on movement make it nearly impossible for them to acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the modern world. While some have the determination to learn, they often lack the resources to do so.
The refugee camps are crowded, and electricity is unreliable, making it difficult for students to practice their skills consistently.
Internet access is also restricted, preventing students from taking advantage of free online resources. Many do not even have access to a basic computer, and training centers are scarce within the camps.
Despite these obstacles, Ro Anas has managed to create a learning environment where students can develop their digital literacy with the resources available.
The Importance of Computer Skills for Rohingya Youth
In today’s digital world, technology plays a crucial role in education, employment, and communication. Without digital literacy, Rohingya youth are at risk of being left further behind, unable to access global job markets or educational opportunities.
For many, the ability to use a computer represents more than just technical knowledge—it is a chance to escape the limitations imposed by displacement.
By equipping themselves with digital skills, they can seek remote work, engage in online education, and connect with a global community that would otherwise remain out of reach.
“What I have learned is just the beginning. We Rohingya youth must advance in computer science to develop our community. I urge international organizations to prioritize digital literacy for refugee youth,” says Ro Anas.
Voices from the Learners
Mohammad Sadek, a student, had always dreamed of studying Computer Science but lost that chance after arriving at the refugee camp.
“I’m excited to learn from Ro Anas. Thanks to his training, I can now create graphic designs, work with Microsoft WPS, and use Photoshop. Financial constraints kept me from formal training, but now I can learn here.”
Another learner, Mohammad Yeaser, who completed training with Ro Anas, shares, “I was in the first batch. After his training in Chittagong, I encouraged him to start teaching, and now he has trained many. Today, I run a Photoshop business that helps support my family.”
A growing number of Rohingya youth are now following in Ro Anas’s footsteps. Some have taken on mentorship roles, training others in the skills they have learned.
This ripple effect is helping more refugees acquire digital literacy despite the scarcity of formal institutions in the camps.
The Future of Digital Learning in the Rohingya Community
While progress is being made, there is still a long way to go. More structured programs, better access to resources, and support from international organizations are necessary to ensure that Rohingya youth are not left behind in the digital age.
One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of dedicated computer training centers within the camps. A few NGOs and grassroots initiatives have provided some access to learning, but these efforts remain insufficient compared to the growing demand.
Additionally, the absence of official certification programs means that even those who acquire computer skills often struggle to prove their competence when seeking employment.
Investing in computer literacy for refugees can open new doors, providing them with employment opportunities and self-reliance beyond humanitarian aid.
Many Rohingya youth aspire to take internationally recognized computer certification exams, but without access to proper facilities or financial support, these dreams remain distant.
A Path to Empowerment
For years, the lack of computer skills has been a major barrier for the Rohingya. However, through the efforts of individuals like Ro Anas, this is changing. His initiative offers hope, proving that with the right skills and determination, Rohingya youth can overcome challenges and create new opportunities.
Beyond teaching, Ro Anas mentors aspiring professionals and advocates for better education. His work highlights the resilience of the Rohingya people, showing that even in exile, knowledge remains a powerful tool for transformation.
However, the burden cannot fall on individuals alone. The international community must step in to provide long-term solutions.
Expanding access to digital resources, creating structured training programs, and developing pathways for certification are critical steps toward ensuring that Rohingya youth are not excluded from the digital revolution.
If given the right opportunities, they can become not just beneficiaries of aid but active contributors to the global digital economy.
