The Challenge:
In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, home to one of the largest Rohingya refugee settlements in the world, residents face numerous challenges, including limited access to education and employment opportunities. The humanitarian crisis has exacerbated the need for practical skills that can enhance livelihoods and self-sufficiency. Click here to verify
"Amidst our struggle for survival, gaining skills that could lead to employment is a beacon of hope for many of us here." - Mohammed (a refugee and workshop participant)
The Solution:
To address this pressing need, Anika, an NGO worker specializing in educational programs, initiated tech workshops in local community centers within the settlements. These workshops are designed to provide refugees with critical IT skills, ranging from basic computer literacy to advanced programming, thereby increasing their chances of employment and integration into new communities.
"By empowering refugees with IT skills, we’re not just educating them; we’re giving them the tools to build a better future." - Anika (NGO Worker)
The Implementation:
Anika collaborated with local community leaders to identify suitable centers that could host the tech workshops. These centers were equipped with the necessary technology and adapted to be welcoming and accessible environments for learning.
She then recruited a mix of local IT professionals and international volunteers who brought a wide range of skills and teaching experiences to the program. All instructors received training to understand the specific challenges faced by the refugee population, including language barriers and trauma sensitivity.
The workshops were structured to cater to different age groups and skill levels, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning. To ensure inclusivity, special sessions were organized for women and differently-abled participants, providing them with tailored content that addressed their unique circumstances.
"To see the enthusiasm and quick learning among the participants is truly inspiring. Every day, they prove that given the opportunity, they can achieve great things." - Fatima (IT Instructor)
The Impact:
The tech workshops quickly became a cornerstone of the community's daily activities, with hundreds of participants gaining not just IT skills but also confidence in their abilities to contribute to and navigate a digital world. Graduates from these workshops have started using their skills in various ways, from helping manage data entry for aid distributions to starting small online businesses.
"Learning these skills has changed my life. I now help manage data for a food distribution program, a job I never imagined I could do before these workshops." - Ayesha (Workshop Graduate)
Lessons Learned:
- Community-Centered Approach: Tailoring educational programs to meet the specific needs and conditions of the refugee community was essential for their success.
- Empowerment Through Education: Providing practical skills that lead to employment opportunities can significantly impact individuals' lives, especially in crisis settings.
- Inclusion is Key: Making sure that educational opportunities are accessible to all, including marginalized groups within the refugee population, helps to foster a more inclusive and supportive community environment.
- Ongoing Adaptation: Continuously refining workshop content and teaching methods based on feedback ensures that the education remains relevant and effective.
