Since August 2017, nearly 900,000 Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh to escape systematic discrimination and targeted violence in Myanmar – over half of whom are children.
The refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar are incredibly difficult for children. Access to education and other essential services is limited, and children are at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. Since the crisis began, United Purpose has been on the ground in the camps, working hard to provide families with safe water, access to basic hygiene and sanitation facilities, and health and psychosocial support.
This year, we installed a playground and football equipment in one of the refugee camps. These facilities are taken for granted by many children across the world, but have proved a lifeline for many Rohingya families.
Safe, accessible and enjoyable, the playground and football equipment are playing an important role in improving psychosocial and physical development, as well as social skills. Eight-year-old Fatima* is one of the children who regularly plays in the playground.
“The playground is very important for children, youth and even us adults,” says Fatima’s* mother. “In the camp we didn’t have this kind of facility before. Before, she always stayed at home. But now she is very happy and plays with enjoyment and enthusiasm. We are very happy watching this. I think many children like our daughter will benefit from this playground.”
Context:
Named Equipping Children & Adult Playground in the Rohingya Camp (ECAP), this project is funded by Penny Appeal. The playground has been set up in one of the Rohingya refugee camps and it aims to alleviate post-migration stress – a condition to which children are most vulnerable.
* Names have been changed.