RO Maung Shwe
In a small, makeshift classroom in the overcrowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, a group of eager young faces gathers around Mr. Abdu Salam. Their teacher stands before them, not only as an educator but also as a survivor and a symbol of hope for the Rohingya community.
For decades, Mr. Salam has been a pillar of education in the Rohingya villages of Myanmar. As a high school teacher, he was committed to providing knowledge and fostering resilience among the youth of Maungdaw township, despite the oppressive policies of the Myanmar government. “The government imposed severe restrictions on higher education for Rohingya people, but I was determined to make education accessible to our children,” he recalls.
The establishment of his high school was a milestone for the community, offering a sanctuary for learning in an environment fraught with systemic discrimination. Even in the face of growing ethnic tensions, Salam’s school became a bridge between the Rohingya and Rakhine communities. “Over the years, I taught thousands of students, including many Rakhine, who have gone on to become doctors, engineers, and community leaders,” he says, his voice tinged with pride.
But 2024 brought new horrors. As fighting escalated between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar military junta, Rohingya civilians were caught in the crossfire. Salam witnessed unimaginable atrocities as his village was attacked. “The Arakan Army specifically targeted us, aiming to erase our existence. Our homes were burned, and innocent lives were lost,” he says, his eyes reflecting the weight of the memories.
Forced to flee, Salam made the perilous journey to Bangladesh. “When I arrived at the refugee camp, I thought my purpose as a teacher was over,” he admits. However, fate had other plans. A community-led high school in the camp offered him the opportunity to teach again. “Now, I’m back to doing what I love—educating young minds. It gives me hope that even in the darkest times, knowledge can light the way forward.”
Salam’s classroom is more than a place of learning; it’s a testament to the resilience of a displaced community. For his students, many of whom have also endured unimaginable trauma, Salam’s lessons are not just about academics—they’re about survival, strength, and the belief that a brighter future is possible.
