Save the Children in Climate Refugee Families

Angtihara village in Dakshin Bedkashi Union of Koyra Upazila under Khulna district in the south-west coastal belt of Bangladesh has been dissolved into a new arm of the Shakbaria river . 200 acres of land has been surrendered to coastal tidal waters. 76 families of 493 people including 232 children have been forced to get out of the area.  People in all the other 11 villages have also been forced to abandon their homes and take refuge on embankments, cyclone shelters, schools, house of relatives etc. Many have migrated to India. Total number of climate refugees counts to be over 5 thousand including 2 thousand children.  

Among the children there are: 450 in 0 to 5 years age group; 750 in 6 to 12 years age group; and 800 in 13 to 18 years age group. School enrolment at primary level is 33% This means 500 children in 6 to 12 years age group are out of school. Only one third of the enrolled children complete primary education. Only half of the children enroll into secondary schools.