05:00, 17 February 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
“Seeing this project shine, quite literally, is a reminder of why we remain committed to the work we do.”
This is what a Manchester-based humanitarian aid charity said as they launched a new initiative to improve safety and wellbeing for Rohingya refugees living in the world’s largest refugee camp.
Global Rahmah Foundation (GRF) has introduced its Night Light Aid project in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where almost one million Rohingya refugees have sought shelter after fleeing violence in Myanmar.
The camp has faced growing concerns over gender-based violence, particularly affecting women and girls, with limited lighting leaving many vulnerable after dark.
In many areas of the camp, there is no street lighting and sanitation facilities are located some distance from family shelters. As a result, women and children have been exposed to the risk of assault and injury when using WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities. Fearing for their safety, some have avoided using them altogether, leading to further health risks.
To address these urgent concerns, GRF has installed ten solar-powered streetlights and distributed 100 handheld flashlights to families. The improved lighting aims to deter potential attackers, reduce accidents and help residents move around the camp with greater confidence after sunset.
The project has a dual purpose of also supporting children’s education. With no electricity in the camp, many students have struggled to study in the evenings, often relying on dim candlelight. However, the new lighting allows children to continue their studies after dark, offering a renewed sense of hope for their future.
Rashida, a widow living in the camp, said: “I feel safer now. I can take my children outside at night without fear. This light protects us.”
GRF’s Programmes Department added: “Light brings more than visibility; it brings comfort, dignity, and hope. With the Night Light Aid project, we aimed to create a safer community in Cox’s Bazar, where individuals, especially women and children, can move forward with confidence.”
To support this project, consider donating here: https://grfuk.org/projects/community-support/night-light-aid/
And to learn more about the important work done by GRF, check out their website: https://grfuk.org/
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Global Rahmah Foundation (GRF). Established in 2013, this supports communities affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters across more than 24 countries, delivering aid to some of the world’s hardest-to-reach areas. Learn more here.
Choose Love. Starting as a social media campaign in 2015 and now evolved into a global movement that provides fast, flexible aid to refugees and displaced people across more than 50 countries. Discover their work here.
Care4Calais: This is a volunteer-run charity delivering aid and support to refugees, particularly in Northern France and the UK. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Gender Equality, Affordable and Clean Energy.
Photo credits: GRF
