Mohammed Zonaid
At only 17 years old, Mohammed Toyub has already become something of a legend in the Kutupalong Refugee Camp, the world’s largest refugee settlement. Originally from Bataka Village in Northern Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, Toyub’s life took a dramatic turn in 2017 when he and his family fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution. Back home, Toyub was a 5th-grade student, his life and education a picture of normalcy until the conflict in Myanmar tore everything apart.
In the bustling but constrained environment of Camp-1, Toyub continued his studies through a Community-Based School, never allowing his circumstances to limit his curiosity or dampen his creativity. To support his family, he also helps his father, Dil Mohammed, with a small betel-selling business. Yet, amidst daily struggles, Toyub’s inventive spirit has thrived.
In 2020, at the age of just 12, Toyub surprised his community by constructing a small, working bulldozer model. Using the limited resources available in the camp, he demonstrated his ingenuity and determination, catching the attention of his fellow camp residents, who celebrated his talent and even rewarded him financially. This accomplishment marked the beginning of Toyub’s journey as a young innovator.
Word of Toyub’s talents soon spread beyond the camp, drawing the attention of major media outlets. Stories about him appeared on Reuters and Voice of America (VOA), showcasing his ingenuity to a global audience. Today, Toyub is once again capturing hearts with his latest creation: a meticulously crafted jet model that he proudly displays for all to see. His hands, limited by the resources of a refugee camp, have brought to life dreams of engineering that might otherwise have faded away.
His father, Dil Mohammed, cannot help but beam with pride as he speaks of Toyub’s accomplishments. “When people appreciate him, I feel so happy and proud,” he says, his voice filled with hope and admiration. Despite the daily challenges his family faces, Dil Mohammed dreams of a future where Toyub can access the educational opportunities he deserves. “If he gets a better education, I believe he can do more. I would like to request people worldwide to help him achieve that.”
Toyub himself dreams of becoming an engineer one day, hoping to build more than just models, perhaps even contributing to infrastructure in a future where his people live in peace and dignity. For now, he feeds his passion with whatever materials he can find, using his resourcefulness to transform scraps into symbols of hope. Toyub is well aware of the many obstacles in his path. Being a Rohingya refugee complicates his access to the educational resources he needs, and the road ahead is steep. But Toyub is determined. “I will not lose hope,” he says, reflecting a resilience that shines as brightly as his talent.
In a world where young people are often defined by the limitations placed upon them, Mohammed Toyub’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of human creativity, even in the most challenging environments.
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