The 2021 Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Christmas Project supports children caught in crisis.

All over the world, children are caught in economic crises, famines, conflict, and more. More than 80 million people around the world have been forcibly displaced from their homes as a result of persecution, conflict, and violence. Of those who are displaced, more than a third are children. 

This year’s Christmas Project will provide spiritual, educational, physical, and emotional care to children who are caught up in crises in Bangladesh, Venezuela, Jordan, Lebanon, and across Europe. 

Each week, we will highlight stories from each of these regions.

Today, read about how Bangladesh Nazarene Mission is creating safe spaces for Rohingya children (and their parents) living in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp. Children there visit ministry centers for educational support, trauma-informed counseling, and spiritual care.

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Maryam’s Story

 Maryam*, 12, is one of the thousands of children who have been living as refugees in Bangladesh since fleeing Myanmar in 2017. As members of the Rohingya ethnic minority, Maryam’s family escaped the extremely violent campaign against the Rohingya. Maryam describes the night she and her family fled their home.

“I was living peacefully with my parents and brothers, [when] suddenly one night we were attacked by the Burmese military,” she says . “They started killing people randomly. We left our own house and all the belongings behind and came here.” 

According to recent statistics, more than 460,000 Rohingya children currently live in refugee camps (UN 2021). Like Maryam, many of them have painful memories of the crisis that prompted their families to leave home.

“I thank God that we are still alive after that night!” Maryam shares. 

Bangladesh Nazarene Mission (BNM), supported by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, seeks to create an environment within the camp where children can play as well as acquire important resources for long-term health. At the child development center, also called a safe space, Maryam and her brother have access to food rations, hygiene materials, counseling, and educational opportunities. She also enjoys the center as a place for recreation amid the trauma of displacement.

“I love to come to the center, where I get to hear stories and play with my friends,” Maryam says. 

Jabriel’s Story:

Though Jabriel*, 9, was only 5 years old when his family fled Myanmar, he remembers what life was like before moving to a refugee camp in in Bangladesh. His family had cows and chickens, and greenery surrounded their home and village. 

“I remember I used to climb trees and play [with] my siblings at the open ground,” Jabriel says. “I miss my home very much and the people around it.”  

Because children living as refugees have likely witnessed terrible violence, there are staff at the child safe space in the camp who provide trauma counseling to help reduce stress for those caught in crisis. BNM staff also make regular visits to the homes of families enrolled in the program to check on the wellbeing of children.

After enrolling his son in the center, Jabriel’s father expressed his gratitude for the program. 

“I want to thank Bangladesh Nazarene Mission for providing mental support to my child which was really needed for him for his relief,” he shares.

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*Children’s names are changed for safety. 

Learn more about how you can support the Christmas Project.

Because children living as refugees have likely witnessed terrible violence, there are staff at the child safe space in the camp who provide trauma counseling to help reduce stress for those caught in crisis. BNM staff also make regular visits to the homes of families enrolled in the program to check on the wellbeing of children.

After enrolling his son in the center, Jabriel’s father expressed his gratitude for the program. 

“I want to thank Bangladesh Nazarene Mission for providing mental support to my child which was really needed for him for his relief,” he shares.