In this film we meet two Rohingya teenaged girls who share their very different experiences in a society that does not encourage teenaged girls to go to school. The first girl has challenged the cultural norms by studying on her own and with private teachers and is now teaching children in her community while dreaming of a chance to study medicine to become a doctor. The other girl explains how displacement interrupted her schooling and that it now is too late for her to learn, as she is expected to stay at home. She talks with regret about how she envies other girls on her own age who are allowed to continue learning. We also meet a father who value girl’s education and encourage girls to pursue their dreams for the better of their community.
Film production: Abdullah Habib Research direction: Marte Nilsen & Nurul Hoque
Rohingya refugees make films about their struggle for education
In PRIO’s EducAid project, we have invited Rohingya refugees to create a series of six short documentary films on the complex challenges refugees face in their quest for education. The young film makers have interviewed community teachers, young students and their parents to let them speak their mind about dreams, aspirations and the importance of education for their community.
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are denied access to formal education. Humanitarian organizations can provide some basic learning, but Rohingya children and youths want to exercise their right to quality education. Without education, they see no future.
Rohingya teachers and former university students have organized schools and private tutoring to meet the needs of the community, but they face persecution and harassment from the authorities for their efforts.
It has been five years since more than 700 000 Rohingya people had to flee from the brutal massacres by the military in Myanmar and Rohingya parents are deeply concerned about the future of their children.
