By: RO Maung Shwe
Meet Mr. Shah Alam, a dedicated Rohingya educator who holds a bachelor’s degree from Sittwe University, Myanmar, earned in 2005. Before fleeing to Bangladesh, he served as a high school teacher for over a decade. Now, in the refugee camps, he remains committed to his community, currently serving as the acting principal of The Light Community-Based High School.
Established in 2021 by a group of dedicated community teachers, the school was created to provide education to Rohingya children, many of whom were at risk of losing their future to uncertainty and hardship. These teachers recognized the moral and spiritual urgency of the situation, believing that without education, individuals may have eyes but remain blind, ears but remain deaf, and mouths but remain silent.
The Growth of the School
Initially, the initiative began with private classes. As awareness about the school spread, more students joined, realizing that completing their studies would bring them recognition within the community. Over time, enrollment steadily increased.
Currently, the school has 405 students across grades 1 to 12, with the following breakdown by grade and gender:
- Grade 1: 72 students (40 male, 32 female)
- Grade 2: 69 students (44 male, 25 female)
- Grade 3: 55 students (33 male, 22 female)
- Grade 4: 43 students (30 male, 13 female)
- Grade 5: 27 students (20 male, 7 female)
- Grade 6: 23 students (10 male, 5 female)
- Grade 7: 30 students (22 male, 8 female)
- Grade 8: 27 students (20 male, 7 female)
- Grade 9: 21 students (18 male, 3 female)
- Grade 10: 15 students (12 male, 3 female)
- Grade 11: 15 students (11 male, 4 female)
- Grade 12: 8 students (7 male, 1 female)
The school is staffed by 21 dedicated community teachers who tirelessly work to provide quality education. It operates within 16 learning facilities, offering children a structured environment to grow academically and socially.
Voices of the Students
- Nur Kolima (Grade 7) shared how the Rohingya community lags behind others in education. Before arriving in Bangladesh, girls were often discouraged from studying. Now, she and her parents understand the importance of female education.
- Fatema Akter (Grade 8) dreams of becoming a teacher and a human rights advocate.
- Asmot Ullah believes that understanding their rights will empower students to bring positive change to their community, similar to how Bangladeshi students fought for their independence.
- Somira Akter (Grade 7) hopes to pursue higher education but worries about financial difficulties preventing her from continuing.
- Md. Faruk aspires to become a lawyer to fight for justice and protect his community from persecution and discrimination.
- Shajida (Grade 6) wants to become an engineer to use her knowledge for innovation and community development.
- Md. Aziz (Grade 10) dreams of becoming a doctor to provide proper healthcare for the community, addressing the lack of qualified medical professionals in the camps.
- Abdul Amin (Grade 11) is determined to become a human rights activist, advocating for peace and motivating others to avoid negative influences.
Challenges for Female Students
Female students face significant barriers in accessing education. Many come from backgrounds where societal norms discourage women from studying. They also experience harassment and threats from certain groups within the camp. Despite these obstacles, their determination to learn remains strong, and they continue to pursue education with resilience and courage.
The Impact of Experienced Teachers
Recently, the school has welcomed experienced educators who arrived from Myanmar in August. These teachers, well-known for their expertise, have been instructing high-grade students for over 30 years in Maungdaw Township. Among them:
- Mr. Harun Roshid is affectionately called the ‘Father of Physics.’
- Mr. Anis is known as the ‘Father of Chemistry.’
- Mr. Liyakot Ali is regarded as the ‘Father of the Myanmar Language.’
With their guidance, the school is now better equipped to provide high-quality education, offering students an enriching learning experience.
A Beacon of Hope
The Light Community-Based High School stands as a symbol of hope and empowerment for Rohingya children. It offers them the opportunity to dream, learn, and build a future where they are no longer refugees, but individuals equipped with knowledge and skills to shape their destiny. Despite the hardships of life in the camps, this school continues to illuminate the path for a brighter tomorrow.
