By: RO Maung Shwe
In a world where education remains an unattainable dream for many refugees, Maung Sawyeddollah has defied the odds. A dedicated Rohingya youth leader, activist, and student, he is the founder and director of the Rohingya Student Network (RSN) and has now embarked on an academic journey at New York University (NYU)—one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of education, despite being stateless and passport-less.
Fleeing Genocide and Facing Barriers to Education
Originally from Taungbazar, Naraing Chaung village in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, Sawyeddollah was a matriculation student before his education was cut short due to persecution. In 2017, as the Myanmar military launched a campaign of mass killings, systematic rape, and village burnings against the Rohingya, more than 1.1 million people were forced to flee to Bangladesh. Among them was 15-year-old Sawyeddollah, who walked for 15 days before reaching the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
Despite his passion for education, Myanmar had already imposed severe restrictions on Rohingya students, barring them from universities. However, upon reaching Bangladesh, he faced another harsh reality: Rohingya refugees had no legal provisions allowing them to enroll in universities.
Sawyeddollah recalls how he applied to several Bangladeshi universities and humanitarian organizations, advocating for the right of Rohingya students to access higher education. However, without a recognized legal status, his efforts were repeatedly met with rejection.
Advocacy for Education and the Creation of RSN
Determined to change the fate of Rohingya students, Sawyeddollah founded the Rohingya Student Network (RSN)—an initiative dedicated to advocating for higher education, youth leadership, and skill development for refugee students. Through RSN, he organized training programs, mentorship sessions, and awareness campaigns to highlight the urgent need for academic opportunities for Rohingya youth.
His activism extended beyond Bangladesh. He publicly campaigned for Meta (formerly Facebook) to take responsibility for its role in the 2017 genocide, where the platform’s algorithms amplified anti-Rohingya hate speech, inciting violence. Sawyeddollah and others have been demanding educational reparations from Meta, arguing that access to education could help rebuild the shattered lives of Rohingya refugees.
Applying to 147 Universities and Finally Getting Accepted
As a refugee without legal documents, Sawyeddollah faced immense challenges in securing university admission. “I applied to more than 100 universities, and every time I was rejected, I applied again. My first attempt was at Cox’s Bazar International University, the nearest institution to my camp, but I was denied. I then applied to universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and Ireland,” he explained.
One of his biggest challenges was not having a passport—a crucial requirement for most universities. He initially applied to Oxford University, but his application was rejected due to eligibility issues. Eventually, after applying to 147 universities, Sawyeddollah secured admission at New York University (NYU) with a full scholarship.
A Landmark Achievement: First Rohingya Student at NYU
His success was recognized by the US Embassy in Dhaka, which congratulated him in a social media post:
“Applauding the first Rohingya student at New York University — congrats, Maung Sawyeddollah! From the hardships of genocide to admission at NYU after applying to 147 universities, your unwavering commitment is a testament to resilience and determination. May your story inspire others and pave the way for dignity and justice for the Rohingya people.”
Expressing his gratitude, Sawyeddollah said, “I am deeply thankful to everyone who supported me in this journey. Without the clearance from the Bangladesh government and the US Embassy’s special visa consideration, I could not have traveled to the US for my studies.”
His activism has also earned him global recognition. He was a finalist for the Kofi Annan Next Generation Democracy Award 2023, a laureate of the Young Activist Summit 2023, and a focal case in Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his journey, Sawyeddollah said,
“I was fortunate to connect with many incredible individuals who supported my journey. With their help, I secured funding for my studies and successfully traveled to New York. I am profoundly grateful to Allah SWT for this opportunity, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to my parents, family, friends, and well-wishers.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to individuals and organizations who played a pivotal role in his success, including:
- Clare Brown, Eva Buzo, Pat de Brun, Elena Franklin, Marina Wutholen, Cloe West, Isteak Ahammed, Thomas Brouns, Ross Youngman, Isabal Todd, Corinne Momal-Vanian, and others.
- Amnesty International, Young Activist Summit, Victim Advocates International, Kofi Annan Foundation, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), US Embassy in Dhaka, US Mission to the UN in Geneva, The Bangladesh Government, NYU Office of Global Services, NYU Admissions Office, International House, and many more.
A New Beginning in New York
Today, Sawyeddollah resides at International House in New York and is pursuing a degree in Social Science with a concentration in International Studies at NYU. Despite all the challenges, he continues his mission to advocate for Rohingya education, justice, and dignity on the global stage.
His journey from a Rohingya refugee camp to one of the world’s top universities serves as an inspiration to millions. Through his advocacy and leadership, he hopes to pave the way for a brighter future for Rohingya youth, ensuring that education becomes a right, not a privilege.
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