On steady ground A place to share


Khadija Khatum knows what it’s like to live through a landslide.


In June 2018, at the height of southeastern Bangladesh’s monsoon season, Khadija and her family lost their shelter to a sudden landslide. Although none of her family members— her 60-year-old mother Suvia, 10-year-old daughter Nur Kalima and four-year-old son Saiful—were injured, they lost most of their scant belongings to the torrent of water and mud. They were quickly taken in and given shelter by fellow Rohingya refugee families who lived nearby.


It was the second time in less than a year that they had lost their home. The family was among hundreds of thousands of Rohingya forced to flee Myanmar when an outbreak of violence arrived at their doorstep.


“It took us 14 days to reach safety here in Bangladesh,” Khadija said.


“Everywhere, there was beating, shooting and burning. We walked the whole way then crossed the river on a bamboo raft.”


When we arrived in this camp after our long journey, there was food, shelter and other care available,” she continued. “It was something I couldn’t have even imagined.


And just like when Khadija’s family first arrived in Kutupalong, UNHCR was there for them. Throughout this difficult time, staff kept in close contact with Khadija and others affected by the landslide. One day, she received good news: UNHCR had built her family a new shelter in a safe, flat area of the settlement and they would be relocated.


When moving day came, Khadija’s family had plenty of assistance: 10 volunteers to help carry their remaining household belongings, and a vehicle to transport her mother, who has difficulty walking long distances.


“When we lived on the hillside, my children didn’t have space to play,” she said. “Here, there are more opportunities, and they can make new friends.”


“Here, we can freely run and play,” agreed 10-year-old Nur Kalima. “Here, we’re enjoying happy moments together.”


10 |


Sharmin Ara never had the chance to attend school in Myanmar. Today, with help from UNHCR, she’s finally found a place where she can learn—and share—alongside other young Rohingya refugee women.


That place is a brightly coloured, girls-only space called the Dream Garden Adolescent Club. As many as 45 young women between the ages of 15 and 24 gather daily to learn about life skills, women’s health and how to protect themselves— as well as nurture each other.


All of that is new to 18-year-old Sharmin.


“In Myanmar, we had no access to school. Because of the dangers, I wasn’t even able to go outside and meet with friends,” she explained. “Now I’m free and can share my feelings.”


Considering everything she’s been through, sharing is an essential activity.


Sharmin fled Myanmar 11 months ago when her village, Shikderpara, was attacked. Her mother died along the way. Sharmin finally found safety in Bangladesh after an agonizing one-week journey on foot, arriving in the Kutupalong settlement with her father and two sisters.


While life skills training at the Adolescent Club is helping Sharmin learn a vocation, she is helping young women expand their horizons every day. As a club co-facilitator, UNHCR has given her special training to coordinate art, games and storytelling that empower young women to express themselves.


“I feel proud to be here,” she said. “In this space, girls are able to share their feelings, their thoughts and their dreams.”


To learn more about UNHCR’s work with Rohingya refugees and how you can help, please visit unhcr.ca/bangladesh


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