By: RO Maung Shwe
The story of Shehera Akter, a 13-year-old Rohingya artist, is one of resilience, creativity, and determination amidst immense challenges. Her life, woven together with her passion for art, reflects both the struggles and aspirations of the Rohingya community.
Early Life in Myanmar
Shehera was born in Kyet Yoe Pyine Village, Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, to Akter Kamal and Noor Fatema (Toha). Her family has a legacy of leadership, with her grandfather, the late Habi Ahamed, serving as a village administrator for 22 years across five consecutive terms. Her uncle Mustafa Kamal and younger uncle Mg Mg Gyi also held leadership roles in the village.
Despite this notable heritage, Shehera’s family faced persecution like many other Rohingya families in Myanmar. They were forced to flee their homeland due to escalating violence and systematic oppression. Before their displacement, her family managed a well-known market in the village that had been in their care for generations.
A Structured Childhood and Early Education
Shehera’s childhood in Myanmar was structured and purposeful. Her day began with Fajr prayers, followed by Islamic studies at the Maqtab and classes at the village middle school, where she was studying in Grade 4.
Shehera is the youngest of five siblings, including two brothers and three sisters. Tragically, she lost her mother at a young age, leaving her elder sister, Humashi, to take on the role of caregiver. Despite the hardships, Humashi managed the household and pursued her education, completing Grade 8 in a repressive environment.
Flight to Bangladesh
In 2017, the growing violence in Rakhine State forced Shehera’s family to flee to Bangladesh, where they sought refuge in the Cox’s Bazar camps. Life in the camps brought its own set of challenges. With no stable source of income, the family struggled to make ends meet.
Shehera’s elder sister, Humashi, took a job with the Community Development Center (CODEC) as a Burmese teacher in a home-based learning center, earning a modest 8,000 BDT per month. Her income was critical for the family but insufficient to support the ten-member household, which included three children from their father’s second marriage.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
Despite these difficulties, the family remained determined. Shehera’s elder brother was able to complete his Grade 10 education with financial support from his siblings and is now studying in a community-based high school in the camp. Their father, a respected community figure, eventually secured a position with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) as a mentor teacher, earning 13,000 BDT monthly, which provided some financial stability.
Discovering Art in the Refugee Camp
Amid these challenges, Shehera found solace and self-expression in art. She currently studies in Grade 7 at a community-based high school and attends NGO-run classes. Her artistic journey began with guidance from her elder sister, who introduced her to basic techniques and encouraged her creativity.
Shehera participated in workshops and competitions, gradually honing her skills. Her efforts paid off when she earned second place in a competition organized by the Rohingya Human Rights Network. Her work has also been recognized in events such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Themes of Resilience in Her Art
Shehera’s art often reflects the resilience, struggles, and hope of the Rohingya community. Through her work, she expresses the hardships faced by refugees while celebrating the strength and determination of her people.
She regularly attends art workshops organized by community-based organizations and international NGOs, where she learns new techniques and connects with other young artists. These workshops have become a vital platform for her to share her experiences and emotions.
Aspirations for the Future
Shehera dreams of continuing her education and building a career that combines her passion for art with her desire to serve her community. She hopes to inspire other young Rohingya boys and girls, showing them that creativity and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Conclusion
The journey of Shehera Akter is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Rohingya people. Her life, marked by loss, displacement, and adversity, is also a story of hope, determination, and artistic expression.
Through her art, Shehera not only finds a voice for herself but also becomes a symbol of the strength and perseverance of her community. Her story is an inspiration, reminding the world of the importance of nurturing talent and fostering resilience in the face of hardship.
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