CNRS in Cox's Bazar

Small business holders from the host community like Iron Das received support from UNHCR-CNRS project since 2019. After five years, the project participants are reflecting on their journey.

Winter is the time for delicious vegetables in Bangladesh.

UNHCR-CNRS has established five vegetable collection centers in Teknaf, providing great opportunities for farmers and paikers. These centers are loaded with vegetables in winter, ensuring access to the market place and fair business for farmers and wholesalers.

This winter, why not explore the local farmers markets and get your hands on some of the freshest vegetables around? Not only are they delicious, but they're also packed with nutrition. So, get out there and support your local farmers!

“Life became incredibly challenging due to the ever-increasing cost of living. There was a time when I feared that my children's education would stop. But today, I am thrilled to share that I have overcome my fears. Now I can pay for their education.” - Manoshi Chakma.

In 2019, Manoshi was enlisted as a valued participant of the UNHCR-CNRS project. She received poultry and livestock supports with chickens and goats. This support gave her the courage to overcome poverty, and she is now on the path to achieving financial stability.

UNHCR in Bangladesh and Center for Natural Resource Studies- CNRS recently launched an initiative to provide Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) training for refugee women, recognizing their immense potential. Despite the challenges they face, these women have shown incredible enthusiasm and determination to gain new skills and become self-reliant. Let's continue to create opportunities for refugee women to have their voices heard and make a better future for themselves and their families.

"When the light first blinked, I was so happy. My new skills make me feel confident."
-Farid Alam

UNHCR and CNRS are now lighting up the Rohingya refugee youths on Solar System Installation and Maintenance. Farid beamed as the training switched on his confidence. The Skills Development initiative aims to ensure sustainable and dignified repatriation of the refugee population currently residing in Bangladesh.

Together, we can power hope!

These remarkable individuals, the Level-1 Concreter learners of the UNHC-CNRS Skills Development Project, initially faced significant challenges due to their limited literacy and numeracy skills. However, over the course of three months, they have displayed exceptional dedication and competence, defying the odds to showcase their profound understanding of casting, concrete measurement, and related skills. Their progress is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering their disadvantaged background.

Meet our incredible batch of 22 Refugee Learners of the “UNHCR-CNRS Level-1 Solar System Installation and Maintenance” skills development initiatives. They set out on a mission to create something remarkable - a Solar Power and Battery Charging Station!

With sheer determination and minimal external help, they transformed their vision into reality. The result? A fully functional system that's now powering up their practical activities and charging additional batteries!

This is proof that when our youth are supported, they can work magic! Let's celebrate their hard work and innovation.

“Nobody would believe that I’ve grown ample number of eggplants and chilies in the buckets. The truth is I tried very hard to change my fate and utilizing UNHCR-CNRS project’s support was the only way I could do that. So, I never took it for granted.” - Shomsida, Rohingya refugee woman .

Since 2020, Shomsida earned around 14,000 BDT each year by selling home grown eggplants and chilies in the market. She believes that with willpower, anybody can achieve financial independence even in a critical context.

"Before I had nowwhere to go. I would pass my whole day inside the shelter home. But after I got admitted as a learner here, I have found a new place of hope where I can learn new things and make new friends."- Shakila Bibi, Rohingya Refugee learner

Rohingya refugee girls like Shakila bibi are now receiving skills development training on dynamic sectors such as community health work and finding new ways of exploring their hidden talents at UNHCR-CNRS training centers.

Empowering young female Rohingya refugees by providing them skills development training can bring positive changes in the community.

UNHCR-CNRS aims at educating every vulnerable refugee girl so that they find their own voice and new ways of achieving self reliance.

Did you know Rohingya refugee women are extensively engaged in climate smart agriclutural activiies in the vast camp areas?

They are growing different vegetables, after fulfilling the nutrition demands of family, selling the vegetables at marketplace which ensures their financial stability.

In our next series of stories, we will be revealing some interesting factors about climate smart agriculture practices and involvement of women inside the world's largest refugee camps.

UNHCR-CNRS has planted over a total of 3.16 hectares of land in 2022 across several refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

This picture gives a glimpse of the CIC office, Camp-3., where a captivating line of Indian Almond trees ( kath badam) are now casting refreshing shade and welcoming different birds.

As time flows, these trees are growing up faster, reminding everyone that if taken care properly, nature never disappoints.

🇨🇭 An envoy from the Swiss Embassy explored three unique nurseries today! 🌱 They checked out the SDC-CNRS Climate Smart Nursery in Ramu, the B4CA Project Office and Demo Climate Smart Nursery in Ukhiya, and the UNHCR-CNRS Climate Smart Nursery in Teknaf.

The primary focus of the visit was to closely observe the process of bamboo propagation. Following this observation, the team engaged in a comprehensive discussion about the ongoing activities and the prospective strategies for implementing the project in a more all-encompassing manner.

Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh

Grateful for the visit of two esteemed members from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh to the UNHCR-CNRS Climate Smart Nursery and Skills Development Training Center in Jadimurah, Teknaf. Their presence enriched our day as they explored the diverse activities under the SDC-CNRS B4CA and UNHCR-CNRS Livelihoods and Skills Development Project. Valuable insights were exchanged as they delved into the innovative techniques employed for bamboo propagation at the CS Nursery. Witnessing the training journey firsthand, they engaged with the Young Rohingya Refugee Learners, fostering meaningful interactions.

Basic knowledge on agriculture can help the refugee youth to enhance their skills and finding new earning opportunities. Also food security can be ensured by providing them vocational training on agricultueal crop production.

In picture: Some of the Rohingya refugee youths are seen busy in a practical session of agriculture crop production. Right now five batches with 30 students are receiving training on ACP in UNHCR-CNRS training centers.

From 2019-2021, a total of 94.75 hectares of land were planted in both host and refugee community by UNHCR-CNRS.

Now the results are visible as the environment is getting greener allowing both human and wildlives enjoy a better atmosphere.

He is happy as he collects fresh vegetables from his homestead regularly.

For congested space inside the Rohingya refugee camps, homestead gardening has been a suitable agricultural technique that UNHCR-CNRS adopted to support the vulnerable people.

Many refugees have followed the instructions and are seen to achieve better results day by day.

It has been more than ten years since Halima Khatun is making the special type of prayer hats with crochet locally known as “Tupi”.Halima learnt making these at a very early age but never imagined this traditional skill will one day significantly contribute towards her financial improvement Now through the medium of wholesaler Halima’s hats enrich the shelves of village markets as well as the markets of big cities in Bangladesh.

Crochet is a special process of creating textiles. A crochet hook and threads can lead to creation of beautiful products. Which are unique and aesthetically pleasant.

Crocheting is a favorite pastime to rural women of Bangladesh. Sometimes, this pastime becomes a way of earning bread for them.

Can you guess what's being made in the picture?

Noor Hossain from a distant village of Teknaf, Bangladesh is now overwhelmed with remarkable production of vegetables in his fields. While UNHCR-CNRS team has provided him with technical supports, it was his hardwork and relentless efforts that has paid off.

Supporting farmers of the host communities can bring greater change in the economy of Cox's Bazar district. UNHCR-CNRS will continue working for farmers.

Rohingya refugees are practicing different methods of planting and agriculture.

At the training centres of our partner CNRS in Cox's Bazar, they are learning new skills.

📸 ©️ CNRS

Embracing a greener tomorrow! On the eve of World Environment Day, we celebrate our Climate Smart Nursery, a testament to our commitment to preserving our planet's beauty and biodiversity. Together, we sow the seeds of change, nurturing a sustainable future where nature thrives. Join us in this journey towards a greener, healthier Earth. Happy World Environment Day! ☘️🌳🌴🌿

Ethnic women engage in casual conversations while they wait for their vegetable to be sold. The women who are considered to as minorities always play significant role in ensuring economic stability for their families.
The vegetable collection centers serve as gathering places for local farmers to sell their produce. In 2022, a total of 259,055 kg of vegetables were sold across five vegetable collection centers established by the UNHCR-CNRS Project.

An elderly Rohingya woman looks out from her home garden while a vertical bamboo structure is being prepared on top of her shelter roof. This is one of the notable initiatives taken by the Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion unit of UNHCR in collaboration with CNRS. When the monsoon season arrives, these structures will be covered by green vegetable plants and will form a green roof and green ecosystem with significant environmental benefits as well.

One has received seeds support to continue her farming.
Another one is busy taking care of her homestead garden.
The two women are from two different communities (host & refugee) but they both share a common goal of finding strength and resilience through agricultural activities. Despite their different backgrounds, their aim remains the same: to support themselves and their families.
UNHCR-CNRS project has reached out to these determined women from distant communities and their resilience and strong will power is what the world needs right now.

The presence of GAC and UNHCR representatives at the UNHCR-CNRS Training Center, Camp-27, Jadimurah, Teknaf signifies the importance and commitment placed on finding solutions and providing support to the Rohingya Refugee population. This joint visit demonstrates their dedication to understand the needs of refugees on the ground and to support the implementation of such dynamic programs aimed at improving the situation.

“Greetings! I am Ali Hasan, a learner of Agricultural Crop Production at the UNHCR-CNRS training center. Before joining here, I would roam around different blocks aimlessly. Sometimes I would pass my time by doing unnecessary works. After coming here my routine and way of living life has changed completely. I have learned new manners and attitudes. I have gained much knowledge on agricultural crop production. But, the training we receive is just for three months, I would have been the happiest if the time was extended.” - Ali Hasan

It's always inspiring to see enthusiastic Rohingya learners like Mohammed Junaid who is not only focused on improving his own skills but also looking to contribute to his community's development. It's commendable that he is exploring modern tools and mechanisms to enhance his skills in ACP and is also curious about globalized tools and strategies to make a positive impact on his community.

In the age of globalization, it's important for individuals to have a global perspective and be open to learning about different cultures, practices, and technologies. By doing so, they can broaden their knowledge base and adapt to the changing needs of the world. It's great that Mohammed Junaid recognizes the importance of this and is taking proactive steps to stay informed and up-to-date with the help of his instructor Mizanur Rahman.

Wishing Mohammed Junaid all the best in his learning journey and hope that he continues to strive towards excellence in his personal and professional endeavors.

UNHCR-CNRS Skills Development Training Center, Camp-21, Chakmarkul, Teknaf

"Before, I had nowhere to go. I would pass my whole day inside the shelter home. But after I got admitted as a learner here, I have found a new place of hope where I can learn new things, make new friends and get close to mother nature." - Shakila Bibi

In addition to vocational education, UNHCR-CNRS training centers often offer recreational activities and opportunities to connect with nature, which can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. These centers provide a safe and supportive environment for refugees, especially female learners, to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Meet Robi Alom, a 19 years old Rohingya teenager who is enrolled to Level-1 Agriculture Crop Production course under UNHCR-CNRS Skills Development Programme.

Refugees like Robi Alom often faces multiple barriers to education, such as language barriers, financial constraints, and a lack of educational resources. By providing access to quality education, UNHCR-CNRS is helping these promising youths overcome the obstacles and build a better future for themselves and their families.

The fact that the UNHCR-CNRS training centers have become no less favorite than the learners' own homes is a testament to the positive impact that natural beauty, ornamentation, and greenery can have on the learning environment.

During the session break a few enthusiastic learners took up the camera from their tutor and captured some fantastic shots of their premises showing that they have developed an appreciation for the natural beauty and ornamentation that surrounds them.

It's great to see that the learners have developed such a strong connection to their training centers. This can help create a sense of community and belonging among the learners, which can in turn lead to better collaboration and teamwork.

🍀🌻

Over the Rooftop Vertical Gardening: Promoting Green Roof, Green Ecosystem

It is inspiring to see a Rohingya refugee male utilising the rooftop space of his shelter house to create a special type of vertical gardening structures introduced by the UNHCR-CNRS project back in 2019 and has become very popular across the refugee camps. This innovative mechanism serves multiple benefits for the refugee community who lives in the congested camps and help them growing varieties of vegetables throughout the whole year to meet their nutrition demands. By utilising the rooftop, this innovative approach allows for vertical gardening, which maximises the use of space while providing an efficient way to grow crops. The rooftop structures also serve as a climate smart solution by allowing crops to be grown in a controlled environment, providing protection from extreme weather conditions and reducing the impact of climate change.

Happy International Women's Day 🌹

"I have four children, three of them are schoolgoing. With the increase of price of almost everything bearing educational expenses of my children became harder at one point for me. But thank God I received livestock support from UNHCR-CNRS. That one goat helped me fight back poverty. Now I have fourteen goats!" - Rasheda Begum, Konapara, Teknaf.

Green space, green roof and wall in refugee households through varieties of vegetation support can simultaneously reduce the risk of heat shocks during hot summer and keep those makeshift shelters warmer through insulation during winter, hence can be effective tool to achieve many ecological benefits. Green ecosystem is a part of climate-proof construction and can provide rainwater buffer, purifies the air, reduces the ambient temperature, regulates the indoor temperature, saves energy and encourages biodiversity and people are happier in a green environment than in grey surroundings. This UNHCR-CNRS joint intervention at camp level will provide us with opportunity to further assess the environmental impacts in the coming seasons, hence would be convenient for the decision makers for potential scale up in future.

Her eyes are full of dream and hope and speak of thousand words!

But who will provide the support when a Rohingya refugee young girl really wants to do something potential to change her life?

UNHCR-CNRS has taken a dynamic initiative on supporting Rohingya refugee youths (18-24 years old) by providing them vocational training on selected transferable and portable skills of their own choices.

Thus, thousands of Rohingya refugee youths will be able to chase their dream of self reliance.

Keep an eye on our regular updates to learn more about the experiences of these generation of the Rohingya community with UNHCR-CNRS skills development project.

When you think about a “farmer” what comes to your mind?

Mostly a male working hard in the fields to earn a living, isn’t it?

But, in Bangladesh we have a large number of female farmers as well who work as hard as any other.

Since 2019, UNHCR-CNRS Livelihoods project has been actively supporting female farmers of Teknaf peninsula in their journey towards achieving financial stability and raising their own voice.

Rehabilitation of the Sho Ma'r Jhiri in Camp-1W and 2W under SuLMER project has not only brought a significant ecological change but also impacted the social aspect through increased mobility access. This is another reflection of a traditional rural life of Bangladesh inside congested refugee camps.

When it comes to environment, chidren can play a major role as change agent.

A "child centered environmental awareness program" took place inside camp-4 , where the Rohingya refugee children participated enthusaistically and they made a promise of keeping the environment cleaner, taking care of plants and animals and making others aware.