Dear OBAT Family,
Happy New Year!As we embark on new adventures, aspirations, and goals, we are reminded that there is still so much work to be done. Together, we celebrate the New Year’s possibilities and hope that we can rise to the challenge together and help those who need it most.
As always, there is so much news to bring to you from the Rohingya refugee camp. And that is only because so much gets accomplished because of your support! Read away about what’s been transpiring since last October…
For the second time, OBAT’s implementing partner, Prantic, participated in a COVID-19 vaccination campaign organized by the district-level health service in Ukhiya. As a result of this effort, 1,900 people were vaccinated over the course of the 2-day campaign held towards the end of 2021.
These vaccines allow the camp residents to stay safe from the effects of COVID-19 and help life return to normalcy.
Amidst this challenging environment, the safety of our students is of utmost importance to us. OBAT’s education project staff received special training on workplace first aid and Covid-19 resilience. The training was conducted at OBAT’s Rohingya health post and was conducted by the doctors who work there
On October 17th, we celebrated our 17th birthday. There were no balloons and cake at this virtual party; but the event was festive nonetheless. More importantly, the guest list was stellar!
Fourteen OBAT pillars and pioneers came together from 10 different states to share their personal OBAT journeys, hopes, and dreams for the future. Many more sent messages, videos, and signed virtual birthday cards.
Thank you to everyone who attended our 17th Birthday Bash, and a special thanks to the all-star lineup who presented their heartfelt OBAT stories to make the event so very special. If you missed the Birthday Bash, you can watch the event’s recording here! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV1ThqlfTLc&t=5s
The Government of Bangladesh has so far relocated approximately 18,000 Rohingya refugees from the overcrowded Kutupalong camp in Cox’s Bazar and resettled them in Bhasan Char, an island in the Bay of Bengal. OBAT has been supporting the refugees settled there through the help of its implementing partner, Prantic. To address the education needs of the children living in Bhasan Char, a Learning Center has been opened. The Center operates in two shifts to serve a total of 116 children, 63 girls and 53 boys are being nurtured and empowered by the education they will receive at the Learning Center, and their parents are overjoyed.
OBAT is dedicated to creating avenues through which the Rohingya refugees can generate a sustainable income. During the month of November, 25 ducks and 25 chickens were distributed among ten women settled in Bhasan Char. These 10 women will raise these animals and sell their eggs which will provide a source of income while they also distribute the chicks and ducklings to other Rohingya families. This is amazing news because it thereby creates an ongoing chain of income generation.
OBAT’s valuable partner Human Concern International is sponsoring a child support project in the Rohingya camps. Under this project, 386 students from our Learning Centers will receive health screenings. These screenings check vitals of students such as heart rate and blood pressure as well as growth metrics such as height, weight among other indicators of health. At present, 140 kids have undergone health checkups including 79 boys and 69 girls. These checkups ensure the general health of our students and also make their attendance in classes regular and participative. In addition, 383 students also received hygiene kits (consisting of soap, toothpaste, etc.) as well as food packages of staple food items. Thank you to HCI for undertaking this valuable initiative with us.
During November, a new learning center was added in the Kutupalong Camp for adolescent students. These students are in the 14-24 age group. The students will study English, Math and Burmese subjects and acquire basic numeracy and literacy skills. They will also be taught basic life skills. This project is sponsored by RCF, Refugee Crisis Foundation. RCF is also our chief partner for the dental clinic at OBAT’s Health post.
OBAT is fortunate to partner with Bee Humble (www.beehumble.org) for supporting newborn babies and their families in the Rohingya camps. New born baby kits are distributed to mothers to ensure that their babies thrive and receive the care they need at this nascent stage in their lives. These kits consist of cribs, blankets, baby mattresses and other items covering essential needs of a newborn. Twenty-eight kits were distributed on December 8th to new mothers. The no. of kits distributed in 2021 to date is 321.
Our students in the Rohingya women empowerment center are proud of the beautiful clothing they stitch. Recently, their hand made clothing was displayed for sale at a winter market in Cox’s Bazar. OBAT participated in this winter exhibition organized by Cox’s Bazar Food Security Sector, to increase the marketability of the clothes. We are happy to share that the colorful clothing attracted a lot of attention from visitors!
Universal Health Coverage Day is observed on 12th of December annually. The day marks the anniversary of the United Nations’ historic endorsement of universal health coverage in 2012 calling for all nations to provide for their citizens affordable and quality health care. Our Rohingya health post observed this day to draw attention to the health challenges faced by the Rohingya refugees. The clinic staff organized a rally and a health checkup for the students of OBAT’s Learning Centers.
We hope that this new year brings you much joy and health and keeps you and your loved ones safe. Thank you for walking with us in 2021. Here’s to treading 2022 with you!
Warmly,
OBAT team
Links:
Happy Fall, dear OBAT Family!
Wherever you are, we hope that you are safer and healthier than before and that life has gained some of its spark back. We are back to let you know how your valuable support is continuing to create a positive impact in the lives of the Rohingya refugees. A lot has happened since we last updated you in June. Here goes…
OBAT began relief projects for Rohingya refugees settled on remote island
The government of Bangladesh has now relocated over 18,000 Rohingya refugees from the crowded Kutupalong Camp- which houses 1 million refugees- to the remote island of Bhasan Char. With the help of its implementing partner, PRANTIC, OBAT is addressing the needs of these refugees and has started supporting the community since they settled there.
After a rapid needs assessment survey was conducted by our staff, the following initiatives have been undertaken so far:
The following projects are also planned for Bhasan Char:
Rohingya Maternity Center gets a facelift
OBAT’s Maternity Center for Rohingya women underwent necessary repairs and upgrades, generously sponsored by Bee Humble.
The Center now consists of four rooms: waiting/triage area; consulting room, delivery room, and a pharmacy. What was once bamboo pillars and a mud wall have been replaced with sturdy cement, and the floor has been freshly paved as well.
The addition of a laptop allows for patient data to be recorded with more accuracy. Due to the reconstruction and expansion of the space, the center has been able to assist more patients.
Bee Humble also provides newborn baby kits to mothers, and hygiene kits are distributed to mothers every month, as well.
We are extremely grateful to Bee Humble for their support in providing maternal healthcare to refugee women!
GlobalGiving awards four 2021 seals to OBAT!
OBAT’s crowdfunding partner, GlobalGiving, through which you are extending support to OBAT, recently renewed its seals for its trusted partners for 2021. OBAT is proud to be awarded four seals from GlobalGiving, which is the largest online global crowdfunding community.
Accolades for OBAT’s outstanding Rohingya Health Post
OBAT’s health post in the Rohingya refugee camp, locally known as the “Famous Clinic,” continues to earn accolades. The latest nod came from none other than WHO (World Health Organization) and the Rohingya camp’s health sector authority, RRRC. WHO’s IPC (infection, prevention, and control consultant) is organizing a capacity-building and quality-control visit to all the Primary Health Care providers in the Rohingya Camp and has enlisted OBAT clinic’s support in carrying this out due to its status as a “very active and committed IPC member.”
The clinic has also been selected as a COVID vaccination site to dispense vaccines to the refugees by the WHO. Congratulations to the hardworking clinic team who made these recognitions possible through their hard work!
UNHCR representative, Dr. Allen Gidraf Kahindo Mainaa, Head of Operation in Cox’s Bazar (Rohingya Camp) visited OBAT’s clinic. Dr. Mainaa and others toured the clinic including the outpatient centers, dental unit, emergency room, maternity center, and flu corner. He also distributed some baby basket kits among the new mothers. The distribution of the infant kits was greatly appreciated by the visitors as this initiative is unique to OBAT and is currently not undertaken by any other organization working for the refugees.
In other good news, the government of Bangladesh has permitted the resumption of in person classes. An eager group of kids started classes from October 1st!
You all are an outstanding group of people- these milestones would not be possible with you. Thank you! You can get a comprehensive view of the impact you made in 2020 in the Rohingya relief section of our new annual report: bit.ly/OBATAR2020
Let’s catch up again in a couple of months- stay safe and healthy!
Your OBAT Family!
Links:
Dear OBAT Family,
Today is June 20th, World Refugee Day. August 2021 will mark four years since the exodus of the Rohingya from Myanmar and their settlement in Kutupalong camp- now the largest refugee camp in the world. While the camp has provided them with a safe haven from the brutality they have escaped from, YOU have ensured that they don’t perish because of their new identity and existence as refugees. Because of you, they continue to receive healthcare, access to education and empowerment opportunities. As always, a lot has been going on and we are eager to share with you the impact of your support. Here goes…
NEW BOOKS FOR LEARNING CENTER STUDENTS
Our Rohingya Learning Center students received new textbooks at the start of the new education year. The books were distributed to students enrolled in levels 2 and 3. Although the learning centers are closed, the at-home education program has been ongoing. Students are also visited by their teachers intermittently to monitor their progress.
FEROCIOUS FIRE CAUSES DEVASTATION
A devastating fire broke out in the Nayapara Rohingya Refugee Camp in Cox’s Bazar earlier this year. Having already lost their homes once, this was the second devastating loss for the refugees rendered homeless by this tragedy. OBAT’s emergency team worked round the clock to ensure that essential needs including food, clothing and medical needs of the victims were met. Medical camps were also set up by the staff of OBAT’s medical clinic.
Below is a synopsis of the crisis and OBAT’s response thus far:
What YOU Did To Help:
NEW ULTRASOUND MACHINE FOR OBAT’S CLINIC
We are excited to announce the latest addition to OBAT’s primary health clinic for Rohingya refugees – an ultrasound machine! Thank you to our partner MedGlobal for this valuable addition to the clinic. The new equipment will allow doctors to provide more accurate diagnoses, in-house, instead of referring patients to a hospital outside of the camp.
OBAT’s primary health clinic for Rohingya refugees provides preventive, promotive, and curative services along with simple diagnostic investigations and access to referral facilities. The Health Center in Camp 4 is known as the “Famous Clinic” within the community and offers a full range of compassionate and comprehensive medical care, including dental and maternal care, as well as access to a fully stocked pharmacy.
DENTAL CAMP ADDRESSES ORAL HEALTH OF REFUGEES
In partnership with Refugee Crisis Foundation, OBAT has been operating one of only two health posts in the Rohingya camps to also provide dental healthcare. This past February, OBAT held a dental camp at Camp 13, a camp hosted by and held at the HMBD Foundation’s clinic.
Two dentists from OBAT’s clinic, Dr. Junayed and Dr. Sanjib, provided treatment to a total of 55 patients. All patients received their prescribed medicines according to their doctor’s consultation.
Focusing on some of the most critical cases and providing much-needed pain mitigation, services provided in the camps included teeth extraction, abscess drainage and glass Ionomer restoration. In terms of prevention, residents participated in sessions on proper oral hygiene and brushing. Overall, a major win!
WARM BLANKETS PROTECT REFUGEES AGAINST THE COLD
Winter lasted long into the new year in Bangladesh. Protection against the elements is very difficult for Rohingya refugees who live in straw and bamboo shelters. In February, 2,500 blankets were distributed to the students of our learning centers, their families, and volunteers to help them keep warm during frigid temperatures.
Thank you to Human Concern International for their support of this program.
ROHINGYA WOMEN SEW MASKS FOR CLINIC PATIENTS
Thanks to a generous contribution from our partner, Refugee Crisis Foundation, OBAT distributed new, reusable masks to the patients at its Rohingya Health Clinic.
5,000 masks were sewn by the well-trained women enrolled in the sewing program at OBAT’s Women Empowerment Center. Stitching the masks allows them to practice their craft and provides a source of income that is immensely helpful in improving their financial situation.
VIRTUAL EVENT GARNERS SUPPORT FOR FIRE VICTIMS
We are constantly inspired by the kindness of our OBAT family. Dr. Michael Drusano (a three-time volunteer at OBAT’s Rohingya clinic) is one of them. During May, he led a successful fundraising effort for Rohingya fire victims. He was joined by other volunteers, Dr. Minal Ahson and Ms. Ruth Kaiser. The three volunteers gave moving and powerful accounts of their experiences in the Rohingya camps. All events included speakers from Bangladesh who gave personal accounts of how they have benefitted from OBAT’s work.
OBAT’S WOMEN’S CENTER IS NURTURING LEADERS
During COVID-19, the Rohingya Women Adolescent Empowerment Association (RWAEA) remained very active. Afsara Begum, teacher at RWAEA, was one of the students of OBAT’s Empowerment Center for Rohingya Women. Now, she is not only teaching there, she’s also serving as the Chairperson of RWAEA!
This video, https://bit.ly/2RpZ9NW, showcases OBAT center’s work as narrated by Afsara. It was presented at the International Women’s Day celebration program in Cox’s Bazar by GiHA WG (Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group, a sector of ISCG, Inter Sector Coordination Group, the coordinating agency of Rohingya Crisis response).
The RWAEA also displayed their handmade products at an International Women’s Day celebration program at Cox’s Bazar. This program was organized by the UN (Women and Education Sector). We are so proud of Afsara and how far she has come!
These were just some of the amazing outcomes of your support! Thank you for making it all possible. Please join us in raising awareness for the Rohingya crisis. Follow us on social media, share this project with your friends and families to make an even bigger impact!
We will be back soon with our next update. Until then, stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!
Your OBAT Family!
Links:
Dear OBAT Family,
On This Day of Love
Know that your support has gone hand in glove
To bring education, health and much more
To kids, grownups and babies galore
There isn’t anything more real and true
The World is better because of You!
Happy Valentine’s Day to a super special part of our family!
Our Rohingya Learning Center students created valentine hearts from construction paper for you and wished they could have delivered these to you in person. We did the next best possible thing and are sharing some of their photos with you so you can feel all their love.
Lastly, we wanted to share a story of a labor of love with you- It inspired us and will surely tug at your heart strings too.
Cheyaan is a high school senior who lives in California. She has a tender spot in her heart for refugees around the world and authored a children's book to highlight the Rohingya refugee crisis. Her aim is to help other young people feel the love that she does for refugee children. Cheyann accomplished her goal by authoring a book, "Qasim’s Book of Adventures,” to highlight the challenges faced by Rohingya refugees. It is a story about a boy named Qasim who grew up in a refugee camp, and finds a mysterious book that allows him to go on all sorts of adventures. Cheyaan has generously dedicated 100% of the book sales to be donated to OBAT Helpers’ Rohingya Project which is benefitting so much from your support. Many thanks to Cheyaan for her creativity and compassion! Do take a peek at the book: https://amzn.to/370PAJH. It will make a sweet Valentine's Day gift for the little ones in your family.
Thank you for making the world better for so many people with your love and compassion. We couldn’t be more grateful!
Your OBAT and Rohingya Family.
P.S. An Amazon reviewer describes the book as follows:
“This story of a refugee child who discovers adventure and friendship. Set in the midst of sadness and crisis, the book sheds light on the plight of the Rohingya but is presented in a child-centered way about a boy in a refugee camp. The sweet story of Qasim who remains hopeful and adventurous makes the book an enjoyable experience for little ones.”
Links:
Dear Friends,
It is almost the end of the year- 2020 has been anything but easy for all of us! We hope that you and your families have been staying safe and well and that your year comes to a smooth and peaceful end.
Although things have been a bit slower at the Rohingya camp, there are still a lot of exciting updates we can’t wait to share with you. Here goes…
UPDATES FROM THE LEARNING CENTERS:
With the lockdowns in schools still ongoing, OBAT has been doing everything possible to ensure that the education of the students is not disrupted. Currently, there are 800 students studying in 10 Learning Centers. Keeping the students out of the educational system would have impeded their progress and it would have been emotionally difficult for them as well, given that going to school is the only respite they have from their bleak surroundings and circumstances. OBAT adopted the concept of supporting the students through caregivers and this measure has proved highly effective during COVID19. Caregivers are the closest relatives of children, such as parents, siblings, or any other close relative. During the selection of the caregivers, their knowledge, behavior, education level, interest in assisting the children, was carefully assessed and considered.
The Rohingya teachers and facilitators have been paid throughout the pandemic. and they have been working with the caregivers for the continuity of their students’ education.
The caregivers guide the students and engage them in daily educational activities at home. They help students practice their textbook lessons. A very well chalked out caregiver orientation session was conducted for the Rohingya teachers who in turn are assigned for conducting orientation sessions with the caregivers. A total of 604 caregivers were also trained on identifying and managing the symptoms of COVID-19 as well as the safety measures they need to practice with their families.
UPDATES FROM THE HEALTH POST:
The average number of patients being treated at OBAT’s Health Post in the Rohingya Camps is 3,000 per month. Prantic Unnayan, OBAT's implementing partner in theRohingya projects, is taking a coordinated approach to address widespread needs created by COVID-19, including a dearth of medical equipment needed to address the crisis. This is a scarcity which is being faced by all operating NGO's in the Rohingya camps. Thanks to a generous donation by OBAT's partner,MedGlobal, OBAT was able to distribute the following equipment among 4 locally operating NGOS: ultrasound machines, autoclave machines, ventilators and central oxygen systems. This is a part of an ongoing effort by OBAT and MedGlobal and has in the past involved the distribution of ppe, masks and hand sanitizers to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the Rohingya camp.
UPDATES FROM THE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROJECT:
A new Multipurpose Center was recently inaugurated in the Rohingya camp. This Multipurpose Center is part of a 5-month long project, funded by ALIGHT that will help build the capacity of the host community and destitute Rohingya women who have been affected by COVID-19. The new center is hosting sewing training classes for 40 women- 25% of these women are from the host community as per the requirement of the Bangladeshi government. The center, at other times will also serve as a space for staff training, community gatherings, and other beneficial programs. The Camp-in-Charge kicked off the project by planting trees around the territory, as a symbol of growth and progress for the entire camp community.
OTHER EXCITING UPDATES!
Friends, as we enter the holiday season, please keep the families of Rohingya refugees in your prayers. In spite of the trying circumstances created by the pandemic, we all have the comfort of food, clean water and healthcare in our lives. This is not a given for many others in the world, including the thousands of refugee families who have been forced to call a tent in a foreign country, their home.
By supporting OBAT’s Rohingya Relief project, you are creating light and hope in the lives of the refugees and igniting in them the will to survive. This is a season of giving for everyone- do tell your friends and families to make helping Rohingya refugees a part of their giving, this year.
Stay safe and warm, dear friends. And wherever you are in the world, enjoy a peaceful holiday season with your loved ones.
Warmly,
Your OBAT Family.
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can recieve an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
Make a monthly donation & get 
