I am Nur Halima (a pseudonym), 14 years old, and the second eldest of six siblings. When I look back, I can hardly believe how much my life has changed since I joined the “Star group” at the MCAC-4 (Multi-purpose Child and Adolescent Centre) in 2020.

At first, I didn’t know anything about sewing or embroidery. You might imagine someone like me, just a child with no experience, suddenly learning to cut fabric, stitch seams, and create intricate embroidery. But step by step, through regular sessions at the centre, I began to develop these skills.

Now, I am proud to say I am highly skilled in sewing and embroidery. I have sewn many beautiful dresses and completed embroidery work at MCAC that made my teachers very happy and everybody praised me for my work.

Currently, I am working on embroidery for three-piece dresses provided by BRAC, each valued between 1,500 and 2,000 BDT. While I still help with household chores, the embroidery work brings me an income of about 5,000 BDT. This money helps me cover my personal expenses and also supports my parents and family financially.

Looking back, I am sincerely grateful to JRS and Caritas Bangladesh for creating this opportunity through the MCAC project. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had this chance to learn and succeed.

The Multi-purpose Child and Adolescent Centre (MCAC) is part of the child protection response for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, under the coordination of the Inter-Sector Coordination Group in Bangladesh. The MCAC offers an integrated programme that focuses primarily on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), while also providing peace education, pre-primary education, pre-vocational skills training, and referral services to support the holistic development and well-being of children and adolescents.