Thirty Rohingya refugees have graduated from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) Storytellers program.
A graduation ceremony, on Saturday, featured Raba Khan as a special guest.
For the first time, the WFP—with support from BRAC—trained some Rohingya refugees in digital storytelling so that they could share their stories with the world.
WFP Country Director for Bangladesh Richard Ragan said: “There has been a huge media focus on the Rohingya crisis and the lives of those affected living in Cox’s Bazar. However, it is very rare that these stories are told by the people who have lived them.
"Through WFP Storytellers, young Rohingya men and women can share their stories with the world. We are delighted to unearth and celebrate some of the storytelling talent that lies right here in the Rohingya community,” he added.
The 30 youths learned storytelling techniques, how to take photos, and the basics of shooting video. The storytellers can now use these skills to act as communicators with, and on behalf of, their community.
Head of Operations, BRAC Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme Khaled Morshed said: "The WFP Storytellers project has been instrumental in giving the Rohingya refugees their own voice.
"I can think of no better way to empower them," he added.
During the two-week training the WFP storytellers shared their stories of: loss, tragedy, hope, and everyday life living in the world’s largest refugee camp.
Hafsa Akter, 22, one of the participants said: “We as Rohingyas have seen so much, and been through so much, and I want this to be understood from my own words and photos.
"Through WFP Storytellers I can see photography is very important for us to capture who we are, and to express our feelings,” she added.
Raba Khan from The Jhakanaka Project presented certificates to the graduates and also did a session, inspiring them to pursue their storytelling passions and giving them tips on engaging audiences.
Since its launch, WFP Storytellers has trained Syrian refugees and vulnerable men and women from: host communities in Jordan, Sudanese refugees in Chad, youths from remote areas affected by climate change in Guatemala, and South Sudanese refugees in Uganda.
