From Displacement to Determination: A Rohingya Refugee Youth's Fight For a Future
Amidst the unspeakable tragedies; from persecution to displacement, a story of hope, resilience and determination, that reflects the struggle of millions who were uprooted from homes, yet continue to fight for a dignity and better future.
My name is Enam Uddin. I am a Rohingya from Myanmar. My identity itself is the story of resilience. Born into the Rohingya community who experienced systematic discrimination, violence and marginalization at the hand of the Myanmar government, adversities have been a constant companion throughout our lives. Our very identity and ethnicity were deliberately denied, stripping us of our fundamental human rights; citizenship, freedom of movement, freedom of speech, access to higher education, healthcare, and employment opportunities—rights that every human being deserves.
The atrocities committed against the Rohingya reached a devastating peak in August 2017 when the Myanmar military launched a brutal campaign against us which was recognized as genocide. Over 700,000 Rohingya, including my family and I, were forced to flee our homeland leaving behind everything we ever had. We sought refuge in Bangladesh, staying in refugee camps where uncertainty and fear became our daily reality.
One of my greatest concerns to me during this turbulent time was my education. My studies so vital to my future were completely disrupted when I was forced to flee home at the critical juncture of my studies in 7th grade. From a young age I’ve wanted to become a doctor. I was inspired by a village doctor who served the community with his limited medical knowledge. He played a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to the community, since there was no other physician available in my locality.
A personal tragedy further strengthened my ambition, making me realize the vital need for healthcare and physicians in my region.
Pursuing higher education had been a distant dream for decades for Rohingya in Myanmar as the government barred Rohingya from attending the university since 2012. Yet, I was determined and committed to my studies with a passion to one day pursue my higher education in the medical field.
That dream was completely shattered by the violence of August 2017. After losing my homeland, I found myself in an unfamiliar land that threatened to extinguish my bright future. A new chapter began, filled with uncertainty, yet I refused to surrender my aspirations.
Despite overwhelming challenges, I was committed to continuing my education, even though formal education was virtually nonexistent within the refugee camps. Like thousands of other Rohingya youth, I was left in limbo—without access to recognized qualifications or higher education pathways. Nevertheless, I persisted, completing my high school education through Mayyu High School, a community-led informal school in the refugee camp. This institution laid a strong foundation for my future, reaffirming my belief in the power of education.
Unfortunately, the lack of recognized qualifications meant that my dream of becoming a doctor remained out of reach. The Bangladeshi government's policy restricting Rohingya students from attending universities within the country further closed doors to higher education. There were no organizations actively providing opportunities for Rohingya refugees to pursue university studies either locally or abroad. This bleak reality forced many young people to undertake perilous sea journeys in search of better futures in other neighboring countries. Many often lose their lives at sea, in detention centers or in prisons.
Education is a powerful catalyst for social change. It has the potential to transform communities and empower individuals to break free from cycles of despair and marginalization. To contribute to this vision, I have been volunteering to teach community children in private centers and learning facilities supported by UNICEF. My passion to educate and advocate for refugee education continues to grow, nurturing my desire to further my studies so I can make an even greater impact. My journey is one of millions. Many displaced and refugee youths are fighting daily for higher studies to reach their potential.
They seized our papers, burned our nest,
But the fire to learn still burns in our chest.
Like seeds on the wind, from scars we’re blown,
Seeking fertile ground where dreams are sown.
Don’t see just tents or stateless faces,
See scholars, leaders, dreams in places.
Education’s not a privilege to be granted,
But a fundamental right to be ensured.
For every child denied a chance to rise,
Is a future lost before their eyes.
Let’s stand for justice, let voices be heard,
And build a world where every mind is stirred.
On this International Day of Education, I call upon the international community, humanitarian organizations, and educational institutions to recognize the urgent need to support refugee children’s right to education by establishing formal educational programs within refugee camps, facilitate enrollment in nearby schools, and provide scholarships opportunities for higher education.
Our identity was taken, our homes burned, but our minds still yearn. Education is not a privilege; it is the only tool we have to rebuild from ashes, transform our suffering into strength. Investing in the education of refugees is not merely an act of charity; it is an investment in global stability, justice, and the future leaders who will rebuild shattered worlds.
About the Author
Enam Uddin is a dedicated youth activist and an educator based in the Rohingya refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Being a member of the Rohingya community, Enam was forced to flee Myanmar to Bangladesh in August 2017, along with his people led by the genocidal oppression of the Myanmar military.
Enam completed his high school education through a community-based school in the Refugee Camps. Then, he officially earned his General Educational Development (GED) — an international high school equivalency diploma. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations through Myanmar Nway Oo University — an online institution, and a Diploma in Human Rights from Spring University of Myanmar.
Since 2021, Enam has been a powerful voice for his community, using social media and advocacy to raise global awareness about the plight of the Rohingya people and to champion the right to education for all refugees. Professionally, Enam served as a Child Protection Volunteer with World Vision in 2020 and currently works as a teacher under a UNICEF-supported program in the refugee camps, where he focuses on educating and empowering Rohingya children. Enam is very passionate to bring positive changes in the community and refugees around the world through quality education and to advocate for recognition of refugees’ educational credentials so that every displaced student has the opportunity to achieve their dreams.