UNICEF announced today that it is planning to establish more than 1,300 new learning centers for Rohingya children who have fled Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh.
UNICEF is currently running 182 learning centers in Rohingya camps and makeshift settlements in Cox’s Bazar and has enrolled 15,000 children. It plans to increase the number of learning centers to 1,500, to reach 200,000 children over the next year.
“It is critical that these children, who have suffered so much in this crisis should have access to education in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. “This is critical not just to provide them with a much-needed sense of normalcy now, but so that they can build a future to look forward to.”
The learning centers provide early education to children aged 4 to 6, as well as non-formal basic education to children from ages 6 to 14. In each learning center, there are three shifts, with each shift comprising of 35 children.
Children learn English, Math, Burmese, Science, Arts, and Anthems in the learning centers. Children also receive psychosocial counseling and are taught hygiene and life skills. The children are given books, pens, coloring pencils, school bags and other educational materials. Over a quarter of a million Rohingya children have fled Myanmar into Cox’s Bazar since August 25.
