Inclusive education for Rohingya children - Bangladesh

Above: Robi receives home based therapy. Photo Credit: Save the Children

Humanity & Inclusion is supporting the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s Rohingya Response in Bangladesh, with a specific focus on ensuring education programs are inclusive of children with disabilities. As of April 2020, Humanity & Inclusion had identified 150 children with disabilities and supported them to access education through temporary learning centres or via home-based learning.

As part of the Inclusive Communities consortia, led by Save the Children, Humanity & Inclusion also supports rehabilitation and provides tailored plans and services in the areas of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Humanity & Inclusion is also supporting the design and provision of inclusive services in the health (including sexual reproductive health, WASH and protection sectors.

Home-based therapy and learning results in progress for Robi

Three-year-old Robi* lives with his parents and four siblings in the Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar. While many children Robi’s age are physically active and inquisitive, Robi’s development was delayed. When he first met Humanity & Inclusion Rehabilitation Officer, Ritu Akter, he could not walk or sit up straight and was only able to speak one or two words.

‘When I first met Robi and assessed his physical condition, I found a weakness in the pelvis and lower limbs leading to poor balance. He also displayed speech difficulties, poor fine motor skills, problems with eating, and he could not stand properly,” Ritu explained.

Ritu met with Robi’s mother and explained his concerns around Robi’s development and they discussed a rehabilitation plan. This plan included physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy – all of which Robi has received within his shelter. In addition, Robi has participated in home-based education activities that were tailored to his needs by the Humanity & Inclusion team.

Above: Robi receives occupational therapy. Photo Credit: Ayah Ullah / Humanity & Inclusion

After receiving multiple therapy sessions, Robi can now stand independently for 30 seconds and longer with minimal support.  His self-care skills (such as eating) and fine motor skills have improved, and he is responding in group play with his siblings. Humanity & Inclusion plan to provide him with a walking frame to increase his mobility. Robi now uses 10-15 words by repetition with his family members, although he is still working on the correct pronunciation.  

Humanity & Inclusive Inclusive Education Officer, Amanullah Tarek, was happy with Robi’s progress.

‘I found him to be a very spontaneous and active learner in the sessions. I developed an Individualised Education Plan for him and after only a few sessions, he could identify three colours and some body part,” Amanullah said.

*Names have been changed.

*Note: at the time of publishing, home-based learning and therapy activities in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar had been put on hold due to #COVID19 restrictions. However, they will continue as soon as it is safe to do so.