Arafat brings his students to the beach at least twice a week. It’s a short walk from their classroom and accessing the beach is free [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera]

A day at the beach for displaced Rohingya children in Malaysia

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On the island of Langkawi, lessons go beyond the confines of the classroom, and teaching continues even at the beach.

Arafat brings his students to the beach at least twice a week. It’s a short walk from their classroom and accessing the beach is free [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera]

Arafat brings his students to the beach at least twice a week. It’s a short walk from their classroom and accessing the beach is free [Jessica Washington/Al Jazeera]

On Langkawi island in Malaysia, Rohingya refugee children enjoyed a rare day at the beach, guided by their teacher, Arafat Mohammad. Many of the children initially feared the sea due to traumatic stories from their families about perilous boat journeys fleeing violence in Myanmar. Arafat, a former teacher from Myanmar who fled persecution, now educates 34 Rohingya children in Malaysia.

Despite Malaysia not recognizing refugees legally, Arafat established an informal school, teaching subjects like English, math, and social studies, along with hygiene and good manners. He emphasizes education as a basic right, encouraging even illiterate older children to begin learning. Supported by local NGOs and minimal parent contributions, Arafat continues to foster hope and resilience in his students, reminding them—and their families—that the sea can symbolize play and peace, not just loss.

Read full article at: https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/2/26/a-day-at-the-beach-for-displaced-rohingya-children-in-malaysia

 

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