A Chance to Dream: Anowar’s Journey with UoPeople

Anowar M. lives in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Proudly Rohingya by identity, he carries the struggles of his people while holding on to his dreams of building a better future. Born in Kha Maung Seik, a village in northern Maungdaw Township, Myanmar, Anowar’s childhood was marked by systemic discrimination and fear. As a Rohingya, he was denied citizenship, freedom of movement, and even access to formal education. The dream of going to school often felt like an impossible wish. 

In 2017, when he was just thirteen, violence forced his family to flee their homeland. They arrived in Bangladesh with nothing but some clothing on their backs and faith in their hearts. Life in the camp was harsh, and classrooms were often makeshift tents with few books. Yet Anowar persevered. Against all odds, he completed his high school education from New Life Community High School with distinction in five subjects. Those were more than just grades—to him, they symbolized survival, resilience, and an unshaken belief in the power of education.  

How did Anowar find out about University of the People? “One night while browsing on a shared mobile phone, I discovered UoPeople. I was excited to find a tuition-free, accredited institution that welcomed students like me. I researched more, read student stories, and felt a powerful connection with the university. UoPeople gave me what no one else could: a chance. A chance to be educated, a chance to be human again, and a chance to dream beyond the barbed wires surrounding our lives,” he shares.   

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science at UoPeople, Anowar describes his experience as empowering. “The registration process was smooth, and the support I received exceeded my expectations. What I value most is the flexibility of learning, which allows me to study at night after fulfilling my daytime responsibilities. I especially appreciate UoPeople for its inclusiveness, peer-to-peer learning, and the sense of belonging I feel here. No longer isolated, I once again feel connected to the world.” 

Statelessness has remained Anowar’s greatest challenge. With no citizenship, no freedom of movement, and scarce resources, every day is uncertain. Electricity, internet, and proper study materials are limited in the camp, and financial hardship is constant. But instead of breaking him, these challenges have made him stronger. 

Looking ahead, Anowar dreams of becoming a healthcare professional to serve not only his community but also other marginalized groups. He hopes to establish a community health and education center for the stateless and to become a voice for refugees in global discussions. 

Beyond his studies, Anowar dedicates his time to teaching Math and English to children at Green Light Basic Education High School in the camp. He also works with the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) and serves as a Unit Control Coordinator at Comrades of Rohingya Youths (CRY). In his free time, he enjoys reading, singing, and writing stories that reflect the struggles and resilience of his people.  

Life in the camp remains uncertain, with frequent power cuts and moments of unrest. Still, Anowar studies late into the night—sometimes by candlelight—driven by the belief that education is his lifeline. “My background doesn’t define my future – education does. Everything I am learning is taking me one step closer to changing my life. My family and my community believe in me. I feel like a soldier carrying their dreams on my shoulders. I am living proof that refugees are not helpless—we are hopeful. We are not voiceless—we just need platforms like UoPeople to give us a chance and support our ambition.” 

Anowar’s journey is truly inspiring, and we are honored to support students like him. We wish him every success in achieving his dreams and making a lasting impact in the world.