By: RO Maung Shwe
Introduction
The Rohingya Education Development Plan (REDP) is a civil society organization dedicated to providing systematic, quality, and curriculum-based education to Rohingya children in the overcrowded refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar. Despite numerous challenges and hardships, REDP has taken the initiative to implement self-initiated, community-based schools across different camps to ensure that Rohingya refugee children receive education and a path to a better future.
The Founder: Muhammad Ayas
Muhammad Ayas, originally from Goppy village, Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, Myanmar, is a dedicated Rohingya youth engaged in humanitarian and educational efforts. He completed his matriculation in 2016-2017 from No. (1) Buthidaung High School, but his aspirations for higher education were cut short by the mass exodus, massacres, and ethnic cleansing carried out by the Myanmar military junta and NaTaLa Rakhine groups. These atrocities have been internationally recognized as genocide and crimes against humanity by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Ayas envisioned contributing to the education of his people, but the persecution and forced displacement of the Rohingya forced him and his family to flee to Bangladesh. The journey to safety was perilous, spanning 22 days of walking through life-threatening conditions.
Upon arriving in Bangladesh, Ayas and his family were welcomed by Bangladeshi civilians and the government, who provided food, clothing, and shelter in the Balukhali refugee camp—the world’s largest refugee settlement.
The Establishment of REDP
After years of observation and determination, Ayas founded the Rohingya Education Development Plan (REDP) in September 2019 and currently serves as its Director.
REDP was established by a group of Rohingya-educated youth and former Myanmar government teachers with decades of teaching experience under the Myanmar Education Ministry Board. The organization operates10 community-based high, middle, and primary schools serving thousands of Rohingya students.
About REDP
REDP is a civil society organization committed to:
✅ Providing quality, systematic, and curriculum-based education to Rohingya children.
✅ Advocating for marginalized Rohingya populations to ensure future generations have educational opportunities.
✅ Running ten community-based schools that teach thousands of Rohingya children based on the Burmese curriculum.
Schools Operated by REDP
| School Name | Acting Principal |
|---|---|
| Mayyu Future Light High School | Mr. Abul Alam |
| Golden Life High School | Mr. Foyazul Kader |
| Education Goal High School | Mr. Mohammad Rafique |
| Rohingya Bright Education Center | Mr. Anuwar Siddik |
| Education Tree School | Mr. Tawyub |
| Education Palace School | Mr. Rafik |
| Rohingya Generation Future Light | Mr. Mohammed Ayas |
| Rohingya Academy | Mr. Rahman Alam |
| Rohingya Education Garden | Mr. Azizur Rahman |
| Education Garden Primary School | Mr. Sadek Hossain |
These schools operate with the dedication of 55 experienced Rohingya teachers, many of whom worked in Myanmar’s education system. Due to limited school facilities, classes are conducted in religious centers (moktabs) and makeshift shelters from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Mission
📌 Educate the Rohingya community about their rights and responsibilities as human beings.
📌 Transform a vulnerable community into an empowered society through education.
📌 Foster peace and unity among Rohingya individuals through education.
📌 Spread awareness about the importance of education among all Rohingya families.
Vision
✅ Develop future leaders—teachers, lawyers, and engineers within the Rohingya community.
✅ Build a peaceful society through educational empowerment.
✅ Ensure that books and pens replace weapons and despair for Rohingya youth.
✅ Advocate for education for refugee children, giving them hope and opportunities.
Objectives
🔹 Establish an environment of peace, justice, dignity, diversity, and equality.
🔹 Empower Rohingya students to advocate for themselves and showcase their talents.
🔹 Provide knowledge and skills that pave the way for Rohingya children’s future success.
🔹 Prove that Rohingya students can excel when given educational opportunities.
🔹 Reduce Rohingya children’s involvement in child labor, human trafficking, child marriage, and abuse.
Current Activities of REDP
📖 Providing curriculum-based education through 55 community teachers.
📢 Raising awareness about the importance of education.
📚 Conducting training programs to enhance adult education and skills.
📝 Organizing essay writing, arts, poetry, and language competitions (English & Burmese).
⚽ Hosting annual sports events to promote mental well-being among children.
Leadership of REDP
REDP operates under the leadership of its Board Members, including: ✅ Mr. Mohammad Ayass (Director)
✅ Mr. Mohammed Tawyub
✅ Mr. Sadek Hossain
✅ Mr. Rabiul Hassan
✅ Mr. Mohammed Hares
✅ Mr. Anuwar
The organization functions through self-contribution from its members. Since its inception, REDP has not received any financial support or funding. If granted support in the future, the organization could further expand its operations and provide financial assistance to the dedicated teachers who have been volunteering their time since the beginning.
Conclusion
The Rohingya Education Development Plan (REDP) is committed to grassroots-level education for Rohingya refugee children. The organization believes that education is the key to empowerment and is essential for Rohingya self-determination. Since the Myanmar government has historically denied Rohingya rights, REDP is determined to educate and uplift the next generation, ensuring that they can advocate for their own future.
By investing in education, REDP is paving the way for a brighter, more independent Rohingya society.
Contact Information
📍 Director: Mr. Mohammad Ayass
📧 Email: REDP.education@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +8801870609819 / +8801572772093
📞 Contact Number: +8801762-737016
🔹 Facebook Page: Click Here
🔹 Twitter: Click Here
