By Ro Maung Shwe
Inside the crowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, education often feels like a forgotten dream. The GNGO-run schools lack proper curricula, and students rarely receive systematic learning. Many Rohingya youths, caught in the uncertainty of camp life, are losing direction and falling into darkness. Amid this bleak reality, Bright Future Academy shines like a beacon of hope — a symbol of what perseverance and vision can achieve even within confinement.
Founded in February 2023 by five determined youths from the Kutupalong Registered Refugee Camp, Bright Future Academy was born out of a shared dream: to bring quality education and social transformation to their community. What began as a modest initiative has now grown into an inspiring example of youth-led education, resilience, and purpose.
The academy runs classes from Nursery to Class 10, with special attention given to English language learning. Teachers also take the time to guide irregular students — those unable to follow a formal curriculum but eager to learn and improve their English. Lessons here are not confined to textbooks. They nurture discipline, curiosity, and confidence.
The teachers at Bright Future Academy believe that education is not only about academic success but also about character building. Alongside regular studies, they organize debates, speaking forums, poetry challenges, and weekly training sessions on important social and moral topics. Each activity aims to help Rohingya students discover their voice, their creativity, and their strength to face an uncertain world.
The spirit of the academy is beautifully captured in the creative works of its students. Their poems speak of pain and pride, of identity and imagination — reflections of young minds trying to make sense of their lives and hopes for tomorrow.
“Parentsless Child”
By Shawkatara, 15 years old, Grade 9
We are the Rohingya, have been living in the refugee camp since 1992,
Without any freedom and citizenships.
Knowing that there is no future till we live in the refugee camp,
Like a man in prison or hell,
Also like a tissue — when they need, they use us,
And then throw us into the dustbin.
We are the bachelors, who have lost two golden generations.
Yet, we are silent, but some are violent.
We are like a ball. We do not want to be the ball.
We want to be the player and producer, not the ball.
To the world, we have a question:
There is no future for your children, brothers, and sisters — knowing that,
Do you stay silent? The answer is “No,” am I right?
“Rohingya”
By Raziya Min, 15 years old
The crowd of people have been living,
Like in the corner of the world — a bird in a cage.
They are floating on the river with plague.
Who are they?
They are Rohingya.
No easy way to get out from this fine hollow.
The crowd of people have been living,
In the corner of the world.
Without rights and freedom.
But there is a tough sword,
To break down this barrier.
It’s powerful like a tiger.
It’s the vital education.
Without it, there is no end to our plague.
So, education is the tough sword
For the Rohingya nation to fight for our country.
“Poem on Education”
By Bashir Ahamed, 18 years old, Grade 10
Education is the key,
To unlock your destiny.
It opens up your mind,
To the wonders you can find.
Education is the light,
That guides you in the night.
It helps you see through truth and light,
And make the best of your youth.
Education is the power,
That makes you grow and flower.
It gives you skills and confidence,
And prepares you for excellence.
Education is the gift,
That you should never miss.
It enriches your life and soul,
And helps you reach your goal.
“Thoughts of Rohingya”
By Mohammed Emran, 17 years old, Grade 9
Little, little superb kiddies,
Have tears in their eyes.
There is no privilege,
To get their rights.
A bird has many places,
After travel, to have a rest.
They can fly all around,
But here we are like fools around.
We can create our lives,
If we utilize what is in our brains.
Everything we can gain.
Think about a few things,
What was our motherland is.
Try to give them expectations,
And do something for the nation.
“What You Really Like”
By Hosne Ara, 16 years old, Grade 9
You say you like to enjoy the rain,
But when the rain comes,
You open the umbrella.
What do you really like?
You say you like to feel the breeze,
But when the breeze comes to you,
You close the window.
What do you really like?
You say you like to see the stars,
But when the stars gather in the sky,
You close your eyes.
What do you really like?
You say you like the fragrance of flowers,
But when the flowers look for you,
You do not know the flowers.
What do you really like?
You say you like to enjoy the wave,
But when the wave comes to you,
You move far away from it.
What do you really like?
Reflection
Bright Future Academy stands as a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, education can restore dignity and hope. The heartfelt poems written by its young students reflect not only their creativity but also their deep awareness of identity, struggle, and dreams for a better future.
Through learning and expression, these Rohingya youths are shaping a narrative of resilience — proving that despite adversity, the flame of knowledge and hope continues to shine in the camps.
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