Two Rohingya Refugees Embark on Their Academic Journey in the Philippines
Two Rohingya Refugees Embark on Their Academic Journey in the Philippines
Monjur Rahman and Mohammed Ibrahim proudly wear their blue Complementary Pathways Scholar shirts as they arrive with their luggage, ready to embark on their academic journey through the CPath Programme.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in partnership with the Government of the Philippines through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice's Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), together with Pathways Pilipinas and Columban College, Inc. (CCI), welcomed Monjur Rahman and Mohammed Ibrahim, two young Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh, as the newest scholars under the Complementary Pathways (CPath) Programme.
Their arrival marks the first cohort of refugee scholars for Academic Year 2026-2027 and reflects the Philippines' continuing commitment to expanding access to higher education for refugees.
The occasion represented more than the start of an academic journey. It was a celebration of resilience, determination, and hope as the two scholars joined a growing community of refugee students pursuing tertiary education in the Philippines through the CPath Programme.
In May 2026, the Government of the Philippines, through the DFA, further reinforced its commitment to refugee education by providing a voluntary contribution of USD 150,000 to the CPath Programme. The contribution supports the "Learning Without Borders" initiative, which aims to expand sustainable higher education opportunities for refugees.
Representatives from DFA, DOJ-RSPPU, UNHCR, Pathways Pilipinas, and Columban College, Inc. joined Monjur Rahman and Mohammed Ibrahim join for a photo opportunity, marking the beginning of their academic journey in the Philippines.
With handshakes that symbolize support, partnership, and opportunity, Monjur Rahman and Mohammed Ibrahim are warmly welcomed by UNHCR and partner organizations as they begin the next chapter s CPath Scholars.
With his hand over his heart, Monjur Rahman expresses his sincere gratitude for the warm reception and unwavering support from UNHCR and partners, reflecting the hope and opportunity in the country.
During the welcome activity, the Head of National Office of UNHCR shared words of encouragement, celebrating the resilience and aspirations of the scholars and underscoring the importance of education in creating pathways to opportunity.
Addressing scholars and partners, DFA Director Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia emphasized the Philippines’ long-standing tradition of extending humanitarian support, reflecting the nation’s commitment to compassion, solidarity, and creating pathways to a brighter future for those in need.
Through the CPath Programme, DOJ-RSPPU supports refugee scholars as they embark on their educational journeys and work toward achieving their goals in the Philippines.
As a refugee youth scholar, Monjur Rahman expresses his sincere gratitude to the Philippine Government, UNHCR, Pathways Pilipinas, and Columban College, Inc. for their warm welcome and support, which inspire hope and opportunity as he takes this important step toward his future.
Mohammed Ibrahim smiles as he listens to messages of support and encouragement during the welcome ceremony, reflecting the hope, gratitude, and excitement that accompany the start of his academic journey as a refugee youth scholar.
In her inspirational message, DFA Director Stacy Danika Alcantara-Garcia highlighted the similarity between the Rohingya word "Guru," derived from Sanskrit, and the Filipino word "Guro," both meaning teacher. She noted that this shared term reflects the importance both cultures place on education.
“Education brings people together. Through opportunities like this, we hope to support young refugees in achieving their goals and building a better future,” she said.
Meanwhile, DOJ-RSPPU State Counsel Paulito de Jesus expressed gratitude for the scholars' safe arrival and emphasized that opportunities such as the CPath Programme reflect the Philippines' longstanding commitment to refugee protection.
“We hope that this opportunity serves as a stepping stone to new possibilities, empowering you to pursue your aspirations and achieve your full potential," added State Counsel de Jesus.
Grateful for the opportunity to continue his education, Mohammed Ibrahim reflected on what the scholarship means to him, “From my childhood, I had a dream to pursue higher education. Before the selection, it felt almost imaginary because within the boundaries of the camp there was no access to higher education. But today, my dream has come true, and it is a reality that I am here.”
Monjur Rahman highlighted the common values shared between his culture and Filipino culture, emphasizing the strong sense of respect for elders and for one another. He shared, “The respect Filipinos show toward elders and one another is something I can strongly relate to, as these same values are cherished and practiced in my own community.”
He also expressed a desire to give back to their host community, “We hope that we will not be just beneficiaries of the program. We actually want to contribute to the community too.”
With the addition of Monjur and Mohammed, the CPath Programme now supports 27 refugee scholars in pursuing higher education in the Philippines. Beyond academic opportunities, the programme promotes inclusion, well-being, and personal development, encouraging scholars to uphold the values of respect, integrity, and responsibility while complying with Philippine laws and institutional regulations.
Racy Martin Del Rosario of Pathways Pilipinas warmly welcomed the young scholars and assured them that they would have a strong support system throughout their academic journey. Joining him was Dr. Desiree Anonat of Columban College, Inc., who expressed the institution's readiness to support Mohammed and Monjur as they begin a transformative chapter of learning, growth, and opportunity.
UNHCR continues to work closely with government, and academic partners to help refugee students access higher education and thrive in their host communities. From facilitating educational opportunities to strengthening partnerships with universities and government agencies, UNHCR remains committed to making these pathways accessible and sustainable.
UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo encouraged the scholars to make the most of their stay in the Philippines, saying, “We hope that your time here will be filled with learning, friendship, and opportunities that will help you achieve your aspirations.”
She also expressed UNHCR’s appreciation to the Government of the Philippines, partner agencies, and educational institutions whose collaboration and support have made these opportunities possible, helping create pathways for refugee youth to pursue their education and build a brighter future.
As Monjur and Mohammed begin this new chapter, their journeys underscore the transformative power of education to unlock potential, foster self-reliance, and enable refugee youth to contribute meaningfully to society. Their arrival marks the beginning of a new cohort of CPath scholars, with four more refugee students expected to arrive in the Philippines in the coming weeks to pursue higher education and build brighter futures through the programme.
