“Without Education, Our Children Will Be Lost”: Rohingya Teacher Mohammed Zakaria Speaks from the Camp

Arakan Now | 7 August 2025

Arakan Now interviews Mohammed Zakaria, a teacher in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

What is the biggest challenge Rohingya children face in education?

The biggest challenge is that we were denied education for decades — first in Myanmar, now in the camps. In Myanmar, the military blocked access to quality schooling. When we fled to Bangladesh in 2017, formal education was banned in the camps until 2020.

Today, the Myanmar curriculum is used in pilot centers up to Grade 9, but many issues remain: Short learning hours, undertrained teachers, not enough secondary-level schools, and weak community trust after years of restrictions.

We have many education centers, but most children still can’t finish school properly.

How has refugee life affected the dreams of Rohingya children?

Living as refugees has crushed many dreams. Children want to become doctors, teachers, or engineers, but they know there’s no system to help them. No role models, no higher education, and no clear career path.

They grow up only surviving, without purpose or hope. If this continues, an entire generation may lose connection to their identity and future.

What motivates you to keep working on education?

I’ve worked with many committed people, even before becoming a refugee. Our community wants to help itself, we just need honest leadership to guide that energy.

I believe change starts with us. Outside support helps, but it’s our responsibility to lift ourselves. I get inspired by those running madrasas, language centers, and community schools — often without pay. As long as I can, I will keep working for education, InshaAllah.

What are your hopes for the future of Rohingya children?

I want our children to receive strong education — morally and academically — and reach international standards. I want to see high literacy rates and students who can compete with others in the world.

This requires a clear, well-managed system in the camps, with sincere effort from all sides.

Do children still dream of becoming professionals?

Yes, they say they want to be doctors, teachers, or leaders. But most know it’s nearly impossible. Very few get scholarships to study abroad — in Japan or the Philippines — but these are rare.

Most children have no real way to reach their goals. That’s the painful truth.

Do you feel the world has forgotten Rohingya children?

Not fully. We’re grateful for the aid and support we receive. But education hasn’t been treated seriously. Survival is important — but without education, our children stay trapped in the same cycle of poverty and fear.

Helping us means giving us the tools to stand on our own. That starts with real education.

What changes have come since forming the Education Board?

The board is a big step forward. For the first time, we have a system to assess students and issue certificates. This builds trust and structure in our schools.

Since the board formed, I’ve seen better student focus, stronger teacher effort, and more organized classes. With continued effort, we can improve the curriculum and raise teaching standards.

Are there efforts to help Rohingya students access online higher education?

Yes, platforms like University of the People or Islamic Online University offer chances for higher education. But many don’t understand or trust online learning — they’ve never experienced real classrooms.

Students often ask: “Will this lead to real jobs?” The answer is unclear. This doubt weakens motivation. Our people need more guidance about how online learning works and what it offers.

Still, I always encourage students to try. Online education can change lives — if taken seriously.