Project Title
Building Resilience and Self-Reliance for Rohingya Refugees on Bhasan Char
Problem Statement
Relocation to Bhasan Char has reduced congestion in Cox’s Bazar but created new vulnerabilities: geographic isolation, movement restrictions, limited livelihoods, inadequate health and education services, and acute disaster risk. Without structured development support, refugees remain dependent on aid and exposed to preventable harm.
Goal
To improve human dignity, resilience, and self-reliance of Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char while strengthening protection and disaster preparedness.
Specific Objectives
• Increase household income and employability for 8,000 refugees
• Improve access to primary and emergency healthcare for 25,000 refugees
• Expand quality education and skills training for 10,000 children and youth
• Strengthen cyclone preparedness and climate resilience for all residents
• Enhance protection, participation, and accountability mechanisms
Key Activities & Outputs
| Sector | Activities | Outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Livelihoods | Vocational training, cooperatives, cash-for-work | 8,000 trained; 120 cooperatives |
| Health | Mobile clinics, referrals, telemedicine | 25,000 served annually |
| Education | Learning centers, teacher training | 10,000 learners |
| DRR | Early warning systems, drills | 100% community coverage |
| Protection | Feedback mechanisms, rights awareness | Functioning complaint systems |
Cross-Cutting Priorities
Gender equality & safeguarding Do-no-harm & conflict sensitivity Community participation Climate adaptationCoordination & Partnerships
Village Home will coordinate with UNHCR, Bangladeshi authorities, and humanitarian clusters to avoid duplication and ensure compliance with national policies.
Monitoring & Evaluation
• Baseline, midline, endline evaluations
• Output and outcome indicators aligned with USAID/UN logframes
• Community feedback and accountability mechanisms
Budget Summary (USD)
| Budget Line | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livelihoods & Economic Dev. | 550,000 | 400,000 | 300,000 | 1,250,000 |
| Health & Psychosocial Support | 450,000 | 350,000 | 300,000 | 1,100,000 |
| Education & Youth | 300,000 | 250,000 | 200,000 | 750,000 |
| Disaster Risk Reduction | 250,000 | 200,000 | 150,000 | 600,000 |
| Protection & Community Gov. | 200,000 | 150,000 | 100,000 | 450,000 |
| M&E, Compliance, Audit | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 150,000 |
| TOTAL | 1,800,000 | 1,400,000 | 1,100,000 | 4,300,000* |
Implementation Timeline (36 Months)
Phase 1 – Start-Up (Months 1–6)
• Staffing, baseline assessment
• Community consultations
• Coordination agreements
Phase 2 – Scale-Up (Months 7–24)
• Full rollout of livelihoods, health, education
• Disaster preparedness systems operational
• Midline evaluation
Phase 3 – Consolidation & Transition (Months 25–36)
• Capacity transfer to community committees
• Sustainability planning
• Endline evaluation and donor reporting
One-Page Concept Note / Executive Brief
Project Title: Resilience, Dignity, and Self-Reliance for Rohingya Refugees on Bhasan Char
Implementer: Village Home
Location: Bhasan Char Island, Bangladesh
Duration: 36 Months
Funding Requested: USD 4.25 Million
Target Population: 32,000 Rohingya refugees
Context
Bhasan Char hosts tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees relocated from overcrowded mainland camps. While basic
infrastructure exists, residents face isolation, restricted movement, livelihood scarcity, limited services,
and extreme vulnerability to cyclones. These conditions threaten safety, dignity, and long-term human development.
Goal
To stabilize living conditions and promote self-reliance, resilience, and protection while displacement continues.
Approach
Village Home will implement an integrated program combining livelihoods, healthcare, education, disaster preparedness,
and protection, in close coordination with UNHCR, humanitarian partners, and Bangladeshi authorities.
Expected Results
• Reduced aid dependency
• Improved health and education outcomes
• Stronger disaster preparedness
• Enhanced dignity and community participation
Long-Term Vision
This project supports immediate humanitarian needs while preparing refugees for durable solutions, including the widely
shared aspiration of safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Myanmar.