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    One simple change for Rohingya refugees

    Day 267

    On the Bench

    Sometimes in emergency situations, meeting someone’s basic needs is top of mind. But we also know that a person is much more than their basic needs.

    Today, we’re thinking about ways we can help elderly Rohingya in particular have a simply better experience in the camp.

    Most families who have fled now have at least a shelter to live in. But many people – and especially the elderly – feel stuck in their houses. They don’t have anywhere to congregate or sit outside those four walls.

    Today we wanted to do a little something that’s beyond survival, thinking about the whole needs of a person who is adjusting to their new reality.

    One simple way we could increase the livability of the camp for elderly refugees is benches. It doesn’t cost much at all, but having somewhere to sit outside of your home is priceless for people who have a hard time getting around.

    We gave 15 benches to 15 older folks – one of them was 100 years old! – so that they can use them where they please.

    These benches will mean some comfort and a little escape for older Rohingya people to spend some time outside their shelters. And that’s no small thing.

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