Where talent lives

Rabi*, a 15-year-old boy is intently engaged in writing. The space he occupies for his studies is immaculately maintained, with minimal possessions that they use later at night. His mother, Nur, subtly checked on him from the adjacent kitchen, separated by a simple tarp partition. She is simultaneously engrossed in preparing the family’s lunch.

“Since his birth, Rabi has been unable to walk or stand independently. His interest in education is remarkable, a pursuit that was scarcely feasible for him back in Myanmar,” Nur elaborated, seated next to her son on their floor mat.

Rabi’s dissability, specifically related to his leg, was apparent from birth. His childhood was fundamentally different from his peers; when they started their formal schooling, he was confined at home. “It saddened me that I couldn’t attend school or interact with other children.” Rabi explains.

Despite Rabi’s physical limitations, his parents couldn’t afford the necessary medical treatment. What was more startling was his mother’s misunderstanding of his condition. Being uneducated, she attributed his disability to evil spirits. “Elders in the family informed me that my pregnancy must have been affected by an evil spirit, resulting in Rabi’s disability,” she explained, recounting the outdated belief she had learned from her family’s seniors.

In 2017, during the mass exodus in Myanmar, Rabi and his family were compelled to abandon their home and seek refuge in Bangladesh. The journey to Bangladesh, according to Rabi, was a challenging and unforgettable experience.

“My elder brother carried me throughout our journey. It was a harrowing experience, with the specter of death shadowing us at every step. I was unsure if I would survive the trip across the sea to reach Bangladesh” Rabi recalled.

Since the influx of 2017, Rabi has made his home in the sprawling Rohingya refugee camp located in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Sharing a modest 15 sqm shelter with his mother, elderly father, and elder sister, he has found a way to navigate through the challenges of displacement. His elder brother has since relocated to Bashanchar with his own family, adding to the complexity of their circumstances as their father’s advanced age prevents him from contributing to their sustenance.

The journey from their native Myanmar was marked with immeasurable loss, yet amidst the hardship, life in the refugee camp brought about an unexpected silver lining for Rabi.

“For the first time, I was presented with the chance to pursue my education while at the camp. I was able to attend a learning center and receive private tutoring,” Rabi explains.

Thanks to the intervention of various NGOs within the camp, Rabi’s unique challenges were recognized, and he was provided with the necessary support for his disabilities.

“Numerous NGOs extended their aid to ensure Rabi received appropriate treatment. They made it a point to educate us about his condition. Now, I have a clearer understanding of the roots of his disabilities, which equips me to offer him even more mental support,” his mother explained, appreciating the newfound knowledge.

Rabi’s journey took a positive turn when he was enrolled in activities organized by JF-CPiE. The project is dedicated to enhancing the protection of vulnerable children and adolescents. It aims to provide access to high-quality preventive, mitigating, and responsive child protection services and support. Notably, the project has made a conscious effort to include individuals with disabilities.

“I love going to the Child Friendly Space. I can play with children and Mr. Karim, the facilitator from World Vision, assists me in getting there” Rabi reports with a warm smile. Rabi was provided with an assistive high chair to help him maintain an upright posture, especially in the latrine. “The assistive device has been truly beneficial. Rabi can now sit comfortably in the latrine, which used to be a significant challenge,” his mother explained.

The project continues to play a pivotal role in Rabi’s life, ensuring consistent follow-ups regarding his education, medical treatment, and potential protection issues in the camp.

Life in the camp has been fraught with innumerable challenges, from securing food and livelihood to assuring shelter and protection. However, amidst the turmoil, Rabi has found a beacon of hope that gives him the strength to persevere.

“I dream of becoming a teacher. It’s a role I believe I’d excel in. I want to educate the children in my community and provide strong support to my parents,” Rabi said.

*Not his real name.