UNICEF setting up hundreds of new learning centres for Rohingya refugee children

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Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 29 September 2017 – UNICEF announced today that it is planning to establish more than 1,300 new learning centres for Rohingya children who have fled Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh.

UNICEF is currently running 182 learning centres in Rohingya camps and makeshift settlements in Cox’s Bazar, and has enrolled 15,000 children. It plans to increase the number of learning centres to 1,500, to reach 200,000 children over the next year.

“It is critical that these children, who have suffered so much in this crisis should have access to education in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. “This is critical not just to provide them with a much-needed sense of normalcy now, but so that they can build a future to look forward to.”

The learning centres provide early education to children aged 4 to 6, as well as non-formal basic education to children from ages 6 to 14. In each learning centre there are three shifts, with each shift comprising of 35 children.

Children learn English, Math, Burmese, Science, Arts and Anthems in the learning centres. Children also receive psychosocial counselling, and are taught hygiene and life skills.  The children are given books, pens, colouring pencils, school bags and other educational materials.

Over a quarter of a million Rohingya children have fled Myanmar into Cox’s Bazar since August 25.

Notes to editor

Help Rohingya children fleeing violence, donate to provide life-saving supplies www.unicef.org.uk/donate/rohingya-refugees/

For further information please contact:

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk