Our work in Bangladesh

Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada’s local partner was one of the first humanitarian actors to respond to the Rohingya crisis in 2017 and has been continuously responding to the emergency needs of Rohingya refugees since then. Makeshift shelters were replaced with semi-permanent structures designed, in line with the refugees’ recommendations, to be more comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant. A comprehensive response was also designed to help the most vulnerable Bangladeshi host families, particularly women-headed households, enter the labour market through a combination of cash-for-work initiatives; agriculture and home gardening training; and training and support for small business development. In addition to increasing household food production, nutrition, and income, these activities helped restore the damaged environment, build confidence, and foster solidarity between the refugee and host communities.

With funding from Global Affairs Canada and support from us, our partner is providing shelter materials and training to the refugees. This enables them to build more weather- and fire-resistant shelters that are better suited to the needs of vulnerable subgroups. E.g., with women’s needs in mind, shelters have better ventilation, more kitchen space, and more private bathing spaces. More even floors, ramps, handrails, and wider entryways also make shelters more accessible and user-friendly for persons living with handicaps. An inclusive approach places refugees at the focus of aid. It equips them to better cope with future shocks while ensuring the sustainability, quality, and ownership of infrastructure.

With formal schooling not permitted beyond Grade 3 in the refugee camps, there are risks of being a “lost generation” of Rohingya children. To mitigate this risk, our partner provides a safe and supportive environment for learning in three multipurpose child and adolescent centers in the camps. These centers provide recreation and open play spaces for all children, provide early childhood education for 4- to 12-year-olds, and a life skills program for adolescents aged 12 to 18. Community members are trained to provide parental education on topics such as child rights, non-violence, peacebuilding, participation, and leadership to increase their capacity to respond to vulnerable children. They are also trained to detect distress and abuses and to ensure timely referral to services, especially mental health services for girls, boys, and caregivers.