Uthoiyoy Marma’s chalk, the hills’ hope

In the remote hill settlement of Lama Union, Bandarban, a school has been built for the first time in 54 years since Bangladesh's independence — a landmark achievement made possible by the joint funding of Asha Hoffnung Bangladesh and the Syed Shakil Welfare Trust. At the heart of this initiative is Uthoiyoy Marma, a dedicated government primary school teacher whose life and dreams are deeply rooted in a mission to uplift underprivileged children in the hills of Bandarban.

A dream to spread the light of education

Uthoiyoy Marma is a young man who emerged from the remote hills of Bandarban with an unwavering resolve to dedicate himself to the cause of education. He grew up amidst hardship and limitations. Born in Gaindya Para of Gosalia Union in Lama Upazila, he is the eldest of five siblings. From a young age, he witnessed how poverty can stifle a child's dreams.

Though his parents were uneducated, they dreamt of an educated future for their children. This was Uthoiyoy Marma's first source of inspiration. Through his father's efforts, he continued his education, frequently changing schools from Chairman Para Government School to a missionary hostel in Rangamati, his life has been a story of perseverance. These experiences made him acutely aware of the deep inequalities in the education system and the dire plight of children in remote areas.

While still a student, he developed a passion for photography and videography, sharing them on social media. During his holidays, he would travel far and wide, capturing and sharing glimpses of the lives and livelihoods of various ethnic groups in the remote hills through his Facebook page, Uthwai Voicer. Interacting with people, listening to their stories, and documenting their lives gradually sowed the seed of his social initiative. He did not merely dream; he began turning those dreams into reality. His vision was very clear. "This isn't just about education. It's about building dignity, identity, and opportunity. One village at a time," he stated

Photo: Courtesy

A mountain of struggles

Establishing a school is not just about land and buildings; rather, it is akin to leading a social movement. Uthoiyoy knew that without government support, he would have to forge his own path. He reached out to locals, inspired them to volunteer, and even raised funds by selling children's artwork. 

"We sold paintings, fruits, and dreams — anything to keep the doors of learning open," he said.

In 2016, freelancer Shahariar Parvez, along with a few others, began a community-based school in a remote Mro village of Gozalia Union. A few Mro children were taught in a simple thatched hut. Over time, the number of students grew. During a visit to that village, Uthoiyoy met Shahariar Parvez. They then decided to institutionalise the thatched school. With collective effort, they managed to build a tin-roofed, three-room structure. They named it "Paomum Tharkla", which means "new bud" or "blossoming from a bud". 

But building a school structure was just the beginning. They needed teachers, textbooks, learning materials, and long-term financial support. To address this, Uthoyai turned to creative methods, from organising art workshops to hosting concerts.

Establishing a school is not just about land and buildings; rather, it is akin to leading a social movement. Uthoiyoy knew that without government support, he would have to forge his own path. He reached out to locals, inspired them to volunteer, and even raised funds by selling children's artwork.

He did not stop with one school. In 2021, he founded Chennoy Non-Government Primary School in the Sarai Union of Lama. In 2022, he established Rengyonpara Asha-Hofnung School in Naikhongchhari. And in 2025, he launched Asha-Hofnung Anandamoyi School in Popa Badlapara. Each school became a beacon of hope for its respective hill community.

To run these schools, he set up a participatory model where each child contributes a monthly fee of 200 Taka, land is donated, parents volunteer through activities like garden maintenance, and funds are raised through the sale of fruits.

"Our schools are built with community hands, children's artwork, and the belief that no child should be left behind," said Uthoiyoy. As a result, the schools have become more than just centres of education; they are hubs of community harmony.

Future ambition and new schools on the horizon

Uthoiyoy Marma's dreams don't end here. His goal is to establish at least one primary school in every hill village of Bandarban, and to promote learning in native languages alongside Bengali, English, and mathematics. A new initiative is currently underway to set up a school named "Sairao Tharba" in the Kalopara area of Gozalia, which still lacks any educational institutions. He is determined to bring education to this neglected corner.

His concerns extend beyond just academic education. He envisions holistic development for children. He views the schools as community development projects, where primary education can gradually empower an entire region towards self-reliance. 

This is not merely a story. It is the narrative of a movement, the journey of a dream. A young teacher is carrying education along the mountain slopes, kindling new possibilities through the power of learning.

"I keep moving to bring smiles to the faces of children deprived of education. I see new dreams in the eyes of the hill children," he concluded.