Image: Rohingya refugee children from Myanmar living in Bangladesh hold up cards sent by children in Houston, Texas, USA. (Md. Dipu/CPI)
Since 2017, Houston’s Muslim community has come together to raise funds for Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh. Recently, children from the Houston community illustrated cards with colorful pictures and messages of love for Rohingya children living as refugees.
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh, is home to nearly half a million children. Living conditions are cramped, and there are few spaces or facilities for play. Funding and other challenges limit children’s access to education, protection, food, water, shelter and health services. Recent outbreaks of diarrhea, dengue, and scabies are among the many public health emergencies that disproportionately affect refugee children. Following a one-third reduction of food rations in 2023, acute malnutrition rates among children under five in the camp rose to more than 15%, the WHO’s emergency threshold.
The Muslim community in Houston, Texas, raises funds for Community Partners International (CPI) to help thousands of Rohingya refugees access essential health care, safe water, hygiene, and sanitation services. The community is also deeply aware of the psychological and emotional impacts on children growing up as refugees. Older children in the camp who fled Myanmar during violence in 2017 may also be living with traumatic memories.
The Houston community’s concern for the emotional welfare of child refugees inspired the children of Houston’s Muslim families to reach out across the world with their illustrations and messages. Below, the children of Kutupalong Refugee Camp show the cards they received and share their messages of thanks.
Rojina, 12
“This is a very touching and empowering message. Thank you so much for your kind words.” Rojina
Abudllah, 13
“I love this drawing. It has a beautiful message. Thank you so much for giving it to me. I wish I could thank you in person!” Abdullah
Kismot, 11
“This is beautiful. I’ll keep it with me.” Kismot
Ziad, 7
“This is the first time I received a gift from someone outside the camp. It makes me very happy. Thank you!” Ziad
Somira, 13
“Thank you for sending this precious gift. Please pray for us so that we can be something.” Somira
Rashed, 8
“This is such a beautiful drawing. I love it. Thank you for giving it to me.” Rashed
Mohammed, 8
“Thank you for this beautiful drawing. I love it.” Mohammed
Rohim, 9
“I am very happy to receive this lovely card. Thank you!” Rohim
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