By: RO Maung Shwe
In the heart of the world’s largest refugee settlement, where barbed wire fences and tarpaulin shelters mark the boundaries of daily life, a group of Rohingya educators has built something remarkable—Education Park High School, a community-run school in Kutupalong Camp-5. With little more than determination, these teachers are shaping the future of hundreds of children who would otherwise be lost to displacement and despair.
A Teacher’s Journey from Arakan to Exile
Mohammad Shaker, a dedicated Rohingya educator, is originally from Ngan Chaung Guna Para village in northern Maungdaw Township, Arakan (Rakhine State), Myanmar. The first son of Haji Rashid Ahamed and Daw Mujida Begum, Shaker completed his matriculation from Maungdaw High School and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Botany. But like countless other Rohingya youth, he was barred from further education by state policies that discriminated against his people.
Instead of giving up, he returned to his village and began teaching at the local government high school, instructing students in Burmese, English, and Biology. His love for teaching and his commitment to the community only deepened.
Then came 2017.
As the Myanmar junta launched a genocidal campaign across Arakan, Mr. Shaker and his family were among the hundreds of thousands forced to flee. They now live, like many others, in a small plastic shelter in Cox’s Bazar refugee camp, struggling each day for survival. Yet even in exile, Shaker’s mission did not change.
“Our parents wanted us to be educated. Now it is our duty to give that gift to our children—even if we have lost our homeland.”
Building a School from the Ashes of Displacement
In 2023, witnessing the loss of direction among camp-based children, Mr. Shaker and other Rohingya teachers who had been tutoring privately decided it was time to formalize their efforts. Together, they founded Education Park High School, located in Camp-5, to provide systematic, curriculum-based education using the Myanmar curriculum for Rohingya refugee students.
Mr. Shaker now serves as the acting principal, teaching Burmese and Biology. Alongside him, 11 volunteer teachers from the Rohingya community keep the school alive—sacrificing their free time, working without salaries, and believing in one truth: education can change lives.
The Teachers Behind the Vision
- Mohammad Shaker – Burmese & Biology
- Soyed Hussain – English
- Amir Khan – Mathematics (also serves as acting director)
- Osman Goni – Mathematics
- Shofiur Noor – Physics
- Noor Boktow – Chemistry & Science
- Noor Alom – Burmese & History
- Noor Hason – Burmese & Geometry
- Nur Hussain – Burmese & Science
- Farhan – English
- Nurul Amin – Burmese & English
Amir Khan, one of the school’s founding educators, is originally from Tha Win Chaung village in Maungdaw. Son of U Nazir Ahamed and Morium Khatun, Amir Khan has been instrumental in the school’s development from day one. A firm advocate for Rohingya children’s right to quality education, he continues to lead with integrity and vision.
Who the School Serves
Education Park High School currently teaches Grades 1 to 10, with a total of 415 students, including 98 girls and 317 boys. Classes are conducted across 15 learning spaces, including moktabs (Islamic study centers), community tarpaulin shelters, and makeshift open-air classrooms.
Enrollment by Grade (2023–2024 Academic Year):
- Grade 1: 42 students (29 boys, 13 girls)
- Grade 2: 53 (37 boys, 16 girls)
- Grade 3: 55 (43 boys, 12 girls)
- Grade 4: 66 (51 boys, 15 girls)
- Grade 5: 55 (48 boys, 7 girls)
- Grade 6: 39 (31 boys, 8 girls)
- Grade 7: 32 (24 boys, 8 girls)
- Grade 8: 30 (21 boys, 9 girls)
- Grade 9: 27 (22 boys, 5 girls)
- Grade 10: 16 (11 boys, 5 girls)
Challenges Faced by the School
Despite its success, the school faces serious challenges:
- The school is not officially registered, forcing it to operate during non-official hours (early morning and evening).
- Learning takes place in overcrowded, poorly ventilated shelters, often shared with families at night.
- There is a critical shortage of teaching materials—books, boards, tables, and markers are in constant short supply.
- All costs are currently covered by small monthly student fees, barely enough to sustain minimum operations.
Still, the spirit of the school remains unshaken. As the teachers put it:
“We give our evenings, our rest, and our time with family for this school. Because we believe in our children—and education is the only path forward.”
Achievements and Impact
Despite adversity, Education Park High School has brought measurable change to the community:
- In the 2023–2024 academic year, the school awarded prizes to 80 outstanding students, recognizing their dedication and growth.
- Former dropouts have rejoined education.
- Girls’ participation has increased, thanks to active community engagement.
A Call for Support: Invest in a Better Future
The school now appeals to activists, humanitarians, educators, and global citizens to support this vital initiative. Whether through funding, materials, advocacy, or simply spreading the word—your support can make a lasting difference.
“If we are supported, we can enroll more children, hire more teachers, and build better classrooms. Without education, our children risk falling into child labor, exploitation, or worse. With education, they can build a future.”
Conclusion: Lighting a Candle in the Darkness
Education Park High School is more than a school—it is a symbol of resilience. Led by committed Rohingya educators like Mohammad Shaker and Amir Khan, it continues to uplift a generation that the world cannot afford to abandon. In a place where opportunity is scarce, this school offers something priceless: hope.
📩 Contact for Support or Collaboration
📧 Email: educationparkh@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +880 1841-465170
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/share/1G5fi7GWu1
