Terknaf, Bangladesh: Over 7,500 students are going to school in UNHCR registered refugee camp ( Nayapara and Kutupalong) in 2011-2012 academic year, said a refugee teacher from the camp.
“In refugee camp schools--- English, Maths, general Science, Environment and Bangala--- are teaching in Formal Primary Education (FPE) from Non Formal Primary Education (NFPE) with 10 primary schools in Nayapara camp and 11 schools in Kutupalong camp.”
“The Research Training and Management Inc. (RTM) appointed local and refugee teachers in schools to change from NFPE to FPE, which was implement by RTM international supported by United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR).”
“There are 4000 students from Nayapara camp and 3500 from Kutupalong camp. The schools are only giving facility up to class V. ”
“Within this academic year, Over 2,200, refugee young students sat for the second test examination of class (IV) from September 27 to October 4. In examination, there are 1200 student from Nayapara and 1000 from Kutupalong.”
The name of education in refugee camps is non-formal primary education system, but, the formal education system is going on now. After completing the class 5 in next year, the students will have chance to study in class six in junior High school in the camp. Next year, UNHCR will establish a junior High school in Nayapara camp, said a refugee elder from the camp.
The parents of the students believe that if there is no program change in refugee camp, their children will be in junior high school in future. There are no more schools for the students after class V, the elder more added.
