Children in Bangladesh

Monsoon rains, flooding, and dangerous landslides have forced learning centers in Kutupalong (Bangladesh) to close. During these interruptions, many children are left without educational resources.

We believe learning should happen anytime, anywhere—especially in context of displacement. That’s why we created the Rohingya Picture Dictionary, a culturally relevant language-learning resource designed to support children both in classrooms and at home. Combining practical vocabulary in Rohingya, Burmese, and English with familiar illustrations, the dictionary helps children develop language skills while celebrating and preserving their cultural identity.

Training Local Teachers

Between January and July 2026, we trained 30 Rohingya teachers through our 10-session Teacher Training Program. Each teacher received a Teacher Guide filled with lesson plans and interactive classroom activities to help them effectively implement the Picture Dictionary.

Together with these teachers, we:

• Trained 30 Rohingya educators.

• Distributed 530 Rohingya Picture Dictionaries to students.

• Provided 530 notebooks and pens to encourage continued learning at home.

• Prepared an additional class of teachers that will reach even more students in the coming months.

Why This Program Matters

The impact of the program extended well beyond the training sessions.

Follow-up surveys conducted several months after the trainings showed that teachers were actively using the Picture Dictionary in homes and community learning spaces. Many reported incorporating the Teacher Guide’s lesson plans and creative activities into their classes, while others shared that the training helped them secure new teaching opportunities. These results demonstrate how investing in local educators creates lasting educational opportunities for Rohingya children.

“Books Unbound’s teacher training has transformed my teaching. I now use creative activities that make learning more engaging and effective for my students.” – Rohingya Teacher, Bangladesh

Learning Continues at Home

One of the greatest strengths of the Picture Dictionary is its flexibility. As learning centers temporarily closed because of heavy monsoon rains and landslides, children continued learning safely from home using their Picture Dictionaries with siblings, parents, and neighbors.

For many children, the Picture Dictionary has become much more than a vocabulary book—it is a tool for preserving culture, strengthening family learning, and building confidence in English.

What’s Next?

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the program is continuing throughout the year. We are currently preparing Class 24, with another 170 Picture Dictionaries ready for distribution.

Beyond the Rohingya community, Books Unbound has also developed culturally relevant Picture Dictionaries for Afghan, Somali, Congolese, Mexican, Venezuelan, and other communities. As demand continues to grow, we are seeking new partners across Southeast Asia to help expand access to these resources.

If your organization serves Rohingya refugees and would like to partner with us, or if you’d like to support this work, we’d love to connect.

Make a donation to keep this program going!