By: RO Maung Shwe
In the sprawling refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, where over a million Rohingya live, a group of determined youth has emerged as a source of hope and resilience. The Power of Rohingya Youth (PRY), a civil society organization founded in 2022, stands as a testament to the leadership and humanitarian spirit of the Rohingya community.
A Vision Born from Necessity
The PRY was established to address an urgent need within the refugee community: access to blood during medical emergencies. Co-founder Ro Muhammad Ismaail and a group of dedicated youths took the initiative to form an organization aimed at saving lives through blood donation.
“The idea was simple yet profound,” said Ismaail. “We wanted to ensure that no one in our community would lose their life due to the lack of blood.”
Lifesaving Activities
What began as a blood donation initiative has expanded to include a range of humanitarian efforts. Blood donation remains at the core of PRY’s mission, with activities including:
- Organizing Blood Drives: PRY conducts blood testing campaigns and donation drives to support patients undergoing surgeries or facing chronic illnesses.
- Emergency Response: The organization swiftly mobilizes volunteers during emergencies, ensuring patients receive the blood they need in time.
- Community Awareness: PRY educates the community on the importance of blood donation and encourages youth participation in its life-saving efforts.
A Network of Compassion
PRY’s strength lies in its network of over 400 active members across 32 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf. These volunteers not only donate blood but also play a vital role in spreading awareness about health and humanitarian issues.
“Our volunteers are always ready to step up,” said a PRY coordinator. “Their dedication ensures that help is available whenever it’s needed.”
Achievements Without External Funding
Operating without formal funding, PRY relies on the contributions of its founders and members. Co-founder Ismaail personally supports emergency cases, while coordinators contribute to the organization’s operational needs. Despite these challenges, PRY has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Conducting regular blood donation events.
- Building a strong network of committed volunteers.
- Launching community awareness campaigns to promote blood donation.
Youth Empowerment at the Core
One of PRY’s defining features is its focus on empowering youth. The organization conducts training sessions to equip young people with leadership skills and humanitarian values. By fostering teamwork and confidence, PRY inspires the next generation to take an active role in shaping their community’s future.
A Lifeline for the Rohingya Community
PRY’s contributions have become an essential part of life in the refugee camps. Its services include:
- Coordinating blood donation drives to meet medical emergencies.
- Supporting blood testing campaigns across camps.
- Promoting awareness and fostering a culture of regular blood donation.
- Mobilizing emergency response teams to connect donors with recipients in critical situations.
The Road Ahead
Despite operating under challenging circumstances, PRY’s impact on the Rohingya community is undeniable. The organization exemplifies the power of unity, compassion, and youth leadership.
“PRY is not just about saving lives,” said Ismaail. “It’s about inspiring hope and showing the world what the Rohingya community can achieve.”
As PRY continues its journey, it remains a shining example of how grassroots efforts can create profound change, even in the most difficult circumstances.
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