RSN’s Leadership Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Rohingya Leaders
- Rohingya Students Network
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
In a context where hope is often scarce, the RSN Leadership Program (RLP) has proven that meaningful change is still possible, and it begins with empowering youth.
Throughout June and early July 2025, the Rohingya Student Network (RSN) implemented a dynamic, in-person leadership training across seven venues in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. The program brought together 94 young participants for an intensive four-week journey focused on building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Purpose and Approach
Rohingya youth continue to face systemic challenges: limited access to formal education, restrictions on movement, and a lack of platforms to express themselves. The RSN Leadership Program was designed as a direct response to these challenges.
Program objectives included:
Building youth capacity in communication, problem-solving, and community engagement
Creating peer-led learning environments
Strengthening youth confidence to take initiative in their blocks and groups
Promoting gender inclusion in leadership spaces
Sessions were highly interactive, combining role plays, small group discussions, reflections, and real-life applications.
Real Stories, Real Transformation
Anjuma’s First Step Toward Leadership
Camp 16 | Age 16
At the start of the program, Anjuma was quiet, unsure of herself and reluctant to speak in group settings. Her family fled Arakan in 2017, and she had grown up in the camps surrounded by restrictions and uncertainty. But through each session, she began to open up. She asked questions, contributed ideas, and led group activities with increasing confidence.
"Before I stayed silent. I didn’t have the confidence to speak up. Now, I believe I can be part of something. I can lead, too." – Anjuma
Today, she dreams of mentoring others, especially girls, to find their voice just as she did.
Ayas: From Participant to Peer Educator
Camp 3 | Age 21
For Ayas, the training wasn’t just a learning experience; it became a turning point. After completing the sessions, he began facilitating informal leadership discussions in his block, helping youth resolve conflicts and communicate more respectfully. Despite lacking money for transport, a modest RSN allowance ensured his participation in every session.
“I may live in a refugee camp, but my voice and leadership now reach beyond its borders.” – Ayas
He now sees himself not only as a learner but also as a community leader.
Measurable Outcomes
Despite different challenges, the program achieved strong outcomes:
94 participants enrolled across camps
83 youth attended three or more sessions
86 completed the post-training survey
80% reported improved leadership confidence
These results reflect not just attendance but real internal growth. Trainers consistently observed stronger communication, collaboration, and self-expression among participants.
What Sets RSN’s Program Apart
Community-led implementation: The project was designed and delivered by Rohingya youth for Rohingya youth.
Gender balance: Female trainers and inclusive facilitation encouraged the active participation of girls.
Local relevance: Discussions and exercises were tailored to the unique realities of camp life.
Post-training impact: Graduates of the program are now actively supporting leadership conversations in their own blocks of the camp.
Looking Ahead
The RSN Leadership Program has shown that refugee youth are not passive beneficiaries, they are capable agents of change.
We are now exploring:
Advanced leadership modules for returning participants
Small-scale community initiatives led by trained youth
Ongoing mentorship opportunities and alumni networks
We believe that if given the right tools and trust, Rohingya youth will continue to build a stronger, more resilient community from the inside out.
Acknowledgments
RSN extends sincere appreciation to the trainers, team leaders, volunteers, and every young person who showed up with openness and courage. This program is a testament to the strength, talent, and potential of the Rohingya community.
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