In a small, makeshift camp in Aceh, Indonesia, under the cover of tarpaulin tents, lives a young man named Hamidul Hoque. At 24, he has already seen more pain and hardship than most will in a lifetime. A Rohingya refugee, Hamidul’s story is one of survival, resilience, and an unshakeable hope for a better future.
Life Back Home in Arakan: Hamidul grew up in Arakan, Myanmar, where life was far from easy, but he had dreams. He went to school and worked around the house, always hoping to become a teacher. The escalating violence against the Rohingya, however, shattered those dreams. In 2017, when the situation became unbearable, he fled to Bangladesh, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild his life.
A Glimmer of Hope in Bangladesh: Life in the refugee camp in Bangladesh was tough, but Hamidul didn’t let it break him. He continued his studies and started working with a civil organization, helping others in the camp. He learned a lot during that time, both from the work and from the people he met. But despite his efforts, life in the camp was still full of uncertainties, and Hamidul knew he needed to do more if he was ever going to create the future he dreamed of.
The Dangerous Journey to Aceh: Driven by hope, Hamidul made a decision that would change his life forever. He saved every bit of money he could from his work in the camp and paid a broker to help him get to Indonesia. The journey was nothing short of harrowing. For 17 days, he and others were adrift at sea, surviving on food for just 10 days. The last seven days were a nightmare, with no food and no idea if they would make it. They prayed, holding on to their faith to get them through.
Life in Aceh’s Kulee Camp: Now, nine months after his arrival, Hamidul lives in Aceh’s Kulee camp with 174 other Rohingya refugees. Among them are 70 children, none of whom have access to proper education. The camp has a makeshift school, but it’s more of a playground than a place of learning. Security is tight, with guards patrolling day and night, but the lack of resources makes life a daily struggle. The camp receives basic food rations—mostly rice—but there’s little else to sustain them.
Struggles and Determination: Hamidul’s life in Aceh mirrors much of what he experienced in Bangladesh—uncertainty, hardship, and the constant challenge of surviving with very little. Yet, even in these conditions, his spirit remains strong. He dreams of higher education and hopes to use what he’s learned to help his community. Despite everything, he believes in a better future, not just for himself but for all Rohingya.
