Over 300,000 Rohingya Children at Risk Amid Education Funding Crisis

BANGLADESH — More than 300,000 children in Rohingya refugee camps are at risk of losing access to education due to cuts in international aid, UNICEF announced on 6 November 2025. The announcement highlights the urgent need for sustained support to ensure continued learning for displaced children.

During a visit to the camps, UNICEF ambassador Orlando Bloom met children who continue to attend school despite extremely challenging circumstances.

“Even with limited resources, these children are eager to learn,” Bloom said, according to UNICEF UK. He noted that several schools had been temporarily closed because funding had run out.

“Some refugee children like you want to study, but their schools may close if there is no funding,” UNICEF emphasized, illustrating the importance of empathy and awareness of children’s rights in emergencies.

The funding gap reflects broader challenges in sustaining education for displaced populations. With the Rohingya refugee population in Bangladesh exceeding 1.1 million, nearly half are children under 18.

Education programs rely heavily on international donors, and any interruption threatens literacy, psychosocial development, and future opportunities.

“Education is not a luxury; it is a lifeline for these children,” said a UNICEF education specialist during the visit. “Without adequate support, a whole generation could miss the chance to learn and grow.”

School closures also have wider social impacts. Out-of-school children are more vulnerable to child labor, exploitation, and early marriage, while communities lose the stabilizing benefits of structured learning.

UNICEF urged governments, private donors, and international organizations to increase funding and prioritize refugee education.

Experts note that investment in education for displaced children strengthens long-term resilience. “Providing continuity in learning ensures that displaced children can contribute meaningfully to society in the future,” said an analyst from the Global Education Monitoring Report.

UNICEF’s field visit underscores a growing global concern: as conflict and displacement continue, sustaining education for refugee children is critical. Without prompt action, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya children may face a lost generation of educational opportunity, threatening their development and future prospects.