Welcome to Kutupalong Refugee Camp

Kutupalong Refugee Camp in Ukhia, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, inhabited mostly by Rohingya Muslims that have fled from persecution in neighboring Myanmar (learn more HERE). It is one of two government-run camps in Cox's Bazar. "Kutupalong Refugee Camp" can also refer to the makeshift camps that have sprung up adjacent to the government-operated camp, although these are not officially part of the refugee camp. Makeshift camps at Kutupalong and surrounding areas have grown to accommodate refugees fleeing Myanmar over the years.

An estimated 655,000 Rohingya Muslims and Hindus have fled Myanmar into Bangladesh since August, 2017, when the Myanmar military began new military operations against them.In 2017, the Kutupalong makeshift camp and surrounding camps at Ghumdum, Balukhali, Thangkhali and others swelled rapidly and merged into each other due to an unprecedented influx of refugees. As of January 14, 2018, this camp collective had a combined population of 547,616, making it the world's largest refugee camp.

Our Schoolbox (pictured below) operates out of a simple bamboo structure in Block N of Kutupalong and serves 150 - 300 children ranging in age from 6-18. Our teachers are all Bengali or Rohingya and we are not accepting volunteers at this time. 

The conditions in this camp are extremely difficult. These camps constitute the hub of the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world, creating large scale logistical, sanitation, and humanitarian aid issues. Seasonal typhoons and cyclones intensify the risk for cholera, diphtheria, and other infectious disease outbreaks as well as flooding and landslides. The camp interferes with a migratory route for elephants and deadly attacks have occurred, as have bites from other wildlife, including monkeys. Children as young as ten years old have been particularly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation throughout this crisis and continue to be at risk in camp.