Our story
The Rohingya Education Development Society (REDS), founded on November 5, 2014, in Malaysia, was established by displaced Rohingya students from Arakan, Burma. Born from hardship and hope, REDS works to empower Rohingya youth through scholarships and educational awareness, helping reduce school dropouts and build a brighter future. What began in refugee camps is now a growing movement to bridge the gap between dreams and opportunities.
Our Mission
The mission of the Rohingya Education Development Society (REDS) is to uplift displaced Rohingya youth through access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. We believe that education is a fundamental human right and a powerful pathway to dignity, empowerment, and lasting change. To combat the high dropout rates caused by poverty and displacement, REDS offers scholarships that enable students to continue their studies and pursue higher education.
We also lead educational awareness campaigns within the community through print and digital media, encouraging families to prioritize learning. In addition, REDS engages in national and international advocacy to highlight the challenges faced by Rohingya learners. Through collaboration and community involvement, we work to ensure that every Rohingya child has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
What we do
The Rohingya Education Development Society (REDS) is dedicated to empowering displaced and marginalized Rohingya youth through education. We provide scholarships to support students in higher education and run awareness campaigns to encourage families to prioritize learning and reduce early school dropouts.
REDS also engages in advocacy and outreach with national and international partners to promote inclusive education for the Rohingya community. By fostering youth leadership and community involvement, we aim to build a strong culture of learning and create lasting opportunities for Rohingya youth to lead self-reliant, empowered lives.
Salimullah Jalal
Founder & Chief Executive Committee (REDS)-USA
“As the founder of the Rohingya Education Development Society (REDS), I am deeply honored to lead an initiative that stands for hope, dignity, and opportunity through education. Being part of the Rohingya community myself, I have personally witnessed the struggles our people face—especially the youth—due to displacement, poverty, and a lack of access to quality learning.
REDS was born out of the belief that education is not a privilege, but a right. It is the most powerful tool we have to rebuild lives and create a future where our young generation can thrive with confidence, knowledge, and purpose. With the tireless support of our team, partners, and community, we are making meaningful progress.
Together, let us continue to uplift and empower every Rohingya child with the light of education.”
Zaker Ahmad
Co-Founder-(REDS), USA
“The Rohingya Education Development Society (REDS) was born from a profound understanding of hardship and a powerful beacon of hope. Founded on November 5, 2014, in Malaysia, REDS emerged from the personal experiences of displaced Rohingya students from Arakan, Burma – individuals who had lived the challenges of refugee camps and seen firsthand the immense barriers to education.
“Despite facing extreme poverty and limited access to learning, we came together with a shared vision: to uplift our entire community through the transformative power of education. We firmly believe that education is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental right for every Rohingya child.
Today, REDS is a symbol of resilience, actively working to break the cycle of educational disadvantage. We are dedicated to providing crucial scholarships for Rohingya youth, raising essential educational awareness within our communities, and empowering future generations to dream beyond the confines of displacement. What began as a vital initiative in refugee camps has blossomed into a growing movement, tirelessly working to bridge the gap between aspirations and opportunities.”
Aman Ullah Hossain
Co-Founder-(REDS), Malaysia
“REDS was founded in 2014 by a group of displaced Rohingya students with a shared mission—to make education accessible for every Rohingya child. As a co-founder, I have witnessed how education can empower even in the most challenging situations. Through scholarships, awareness programs, and community support, we strive to reduce school dropouts and inspire hope. From refugee camps to learning centers, our work continues. With your support, we can ensure education becomes a right, not a privilege. Together, we are building a brighter future—one student at a time.”
Faridah Yusuf
Women Empowerment Coordinator
(REDS)-USA
“As the Women Empowerment Coordinator at REDS, I feel honored to support and advocate for the rights of Rohingya women and girls. Our community has faced many challenges, especially the women who are often denied access to education, leadership, and opportunities to grow.
At REDS, we are working to change this reality by promoting education, self-confidence, and awareness among Rohingya girls and women. We believe that empowering women is essential for the development of our entire community. When women are educated and involved, families are stronger, and communities thrive.
We aim to create opportunities where women can learn, express themselves, and contribute to society. Our mission is to ensure that every Rohingya girl knows her value and has the support she needs to achieve her goals.
Let us continue to stand together for a future where Rohingya women are not just survivors—but leaders and changemakers.build a future where no one is left behind”
