Milestones That Matter
Orphan Support Program
Sumaiya Akter
Host Community – Mymensingh
Sumaiya lost her father at the age of 7. Her mother, a domestic helper, struggled to provide for her and her two siblings. Sumaiya had to drop out of school and help with chores. Through EDAS’s Orphan Support Program, she was re-enrolled in school, received educational kits, hygiene items, and a small monthly stipend.
Today, Sumaiya is a confident Class 8 student who dreams of becoming a nurse. With the guidance of an OSP mentor who visits monthly, her academic performance has improved significantly, and she now participates in school debates and cultural events.
Mohammad Ayaz
Rohingya Camp 11, Cox’s Bazar
Ayaz was only 5 when he lost his father while fleeing Myanmar. Living in a refugee camp with his mother and younger sister, he grew up in extreme uncertainty. When EDAS identified him through their OSP outreach, Ayaz began attending a Child Care Home where he received education, nutritional snacks, and psychosocial support.
Now 10 years old, Ayaz is thriving—he reads fluently in Burmese and English, plays football with his friends, and has started helping his peers in class. He says he wants to “teach children like me when I grow up.”
Rahima Khatun
Host Community – Rangpur
After her father’s death in a road accident, Rahima’s family fell into deep poverty. She was at risk of early marriage at 14. EDAS’s OSP intervened just in time. A female mentor regularly counseled her family and encouraged Rahima to continue her studies.
Thanks to the support—monthly educational and hygiene packs, moral guidance, and financial aid—Rahima stayed in school and passed her SSC exams. Now in college, she’s a passionate advocate against child marriage in her village, inspiring other girls to fight for their right to education.
Child Care Home
Fatema
Camp 15 – Rohingya Refugee Camp
Fatema was quiet, withdrawn, and often sick when she first joined EDAS’s Child Care Home. Her family had fled Myanmar, and she had never attended school before. At CCH, Fatema began learning in a safe, nurturing environment.
She quickly picked up the alphabet and basic counting through fun and interactive classes. With daily snacks, hygiene packs, and educational kits, Fatema regained her energy and confidence. Today, she actively participates in class, sings in morning assemblies, and wants to become a teacher someday..
Jubayer
Camp 13 – Rohingya Refugee Camp
When Jubayer enrolled in the CCH, he was severely undernourished and spoke very little. His father had died during their journey to Bangladesh, and his mother was overwhelmed trying to care for three children in the cramped camp conditions.
Through regular activities, storytelling, and group games at CCH, Jubayer gradually opened up. He now attends the center every day, where he gets proper nutrition, hygiene education, and a foundation in reading and writing. He especially enjoys drawing and has won two art competitions at the center.
Nur Jahan
Camp 16 – Rohingya Refugee Camp
Nur Jahan struggled with trauma-related behavioral issues due to her experiences in Myanmar. She often fought with other children and refused to sit in class. The EDAS CCH mentor team patiently worked with her through weekly emotional wellness activities and one-on-one care.
Over six months, Nur Jahan transformed. She now attends all classes, helps clean the classroom before sessions, and enjoys learning Burmese poems. Her favorite subject is math, and she proudly says, “I want to be a doctor so I can help children like me.”
Skills Development & Livelihood Program
Aklima Begum
Age 30, Host Community – Teknaf
Aklima, a mother of three, was struggling to support her family after her husband became disabled due to an accident. She enrolled in EDAS’s six-month sewing training under SDLP. Starting with no prior skills, Aklima learned cutting, stitching, and embroidery techniques.
After completing the training, she received a sewing machine from EDAS and now runs a small tailoring shop from her home. She earns enough to support her children’s school fees and household needs. Aklima now trains two other women in her neighborhood and says, “This program gave me back my dignity.”
Rahima Khatun
Age 22, Rohingya Camp – Camp 9
Rahima had few opportunities after fleeing Myanmar. She was interested in beadwork but lacked the tools and guidance. Through SDLP’s women-focused training center, she mastered beading, tailoring, and craft-making.
Now Rahima works with a local women’s cooperative that EDAS helped form. Her products—beaded purses and cushion covers—are sold at camp exhibitions and via NGO partners. Her income helps her care for her two younger siblings, and she has become a role model for other girls in the camp.
Shakil Ahmed
Age 19, Rohingya Camp – Camp 13
শাকিল মিয়ানমার থেকে পালিয়ে আসার পর হতাশায় ছিল। পরিবারের দায়িত্ব কাঁধে, কিন্তু উপার্জনের পথ ছিল না। EDAS-এর SDLP প্রোগ্রামে সে গ্যাস স্টোভ মেরামতের প্রশিক্ষণ নেয়।
প্রশিক্ষণ শেষে শাকিল ক্যাম্পে ছোট একটি সার্ভিস বুথ চালু করে। এখন সে গড়ে প্রতি সপ্তাহে ৮–১০টি চুলা মেরামত করে, যা দিয়ে পরিবারের খরচ চালায়।
“এখন আমি নিজে আয় করতে পারি, নিজের খরচ নিজে চালাতে পারি—এটাই আমার সবচেয়ে বড় শক্তি।” -শাকিল
Income Generating Program
Halima Khatun
Age 35, Camp 11 – Rohingya Community
Halima, a mother of three, struggled to feed her family after her husband became bedridden. She joined EDAS’s IGP sewing training and received a sewing machine upon completion.
Now, she takes small tailoring orders inside the camp and earns 3,000–4,000 BDT per month.
“I used to depend on aid. Now I earn with dignity.”
Abdul Gafur
Age 47, Host Community – Patuakhali
Abdul Gafur, a fisherman from coastal Patuakhali, lost his fishing boat during a cyclone. With no income, he couldn’t support his family of six. Through EDAS’s Income Generating Program, he received partial support to purchase a small fishing boat and nets.
Within weeks, he was back on the river. Now he catches and sells fresh fish in the local market, earning a regular income to feed his family and send his children to school.
“The boat gave me back my life. Now, I sail with hope every morning.”
Asma Begum
Age 38, Host Community – Rangpur
Asma Begum, a widowed mother of two from rural Rangpur, had no steady income and relied on irregular day labor to survive. Through EDAS’s IGP, she received training in goat rearing and was provided with two female goats and basic veterinary support.
Over time, her goats multiplied, and she began selling kids in the local market. With the income, Asma renovated her home, ensured regular meals for her children, and even enrolled her daughter in school.
“I raised goats—but truly, it raised my family from poverty.”
Seasonal & Emergency Program
Amina Begum
Age 45, Host Community – Rangpur
Amina and her family struggled through harsh winters without warm clothes. EDAS’s seasonal program provided her family with winter clothing kits, including blankets and sweaters. This support kept her children safe and warm during freezing nights.
“Thanks to EDAS, my children didn’t suffer from the cold this year. It was a great relief for us.”
Hasan Ali
Age 32, Feni Flood Victim
Hasan lost his home and crops during the devastating floods in Feni. EDAS responded quickly with emergency food packets and clean drinking water. Hasan’s family was able to stay nourished and healthy during the difficult days following the flood.
“EDAS’s help was a lifeline for us. Without it, we don’t know how we would have managed.”
Shahina Khatun
Age 29, Host Community – Kurigram
Shahina’s family faced food shortages due to failed harvests. Through EDAS’s food pack distribution program, her household received nutritious food packs regularly during the lean season. This helped them maintain strength and avoid malnutrition.
“The food support kept us going through tough times. We are very grateful.”