Kem Harapan

THE PROBLEM

As Malaysia isn’t a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the lives of the country’s large refugee population remain perilous. Within this framework, young people face restricted rights and have limited educational opportunities/exposure and freedom of movement. 

The children of Safe School for Refugees (SSfR) are no different from your regular teenagers - they enjoy hanging out, good food, competitive sports, and share unbridled optimism for the future. The only difference is these children are refugees in a hostile environment (out of no fault of their own) - wander too far from the community and the fear of arrest becomes palpable.

Nevertheless with strength in numbers and community resilience, SSfR managed to ride the ebbs and flows of the pandemic to outmanoeuvre xenophobia and rising uncertainty. Although the last 24 odd months have been a challenge, SSfR is looking to rekindle the spark of joy in its students by organizing its first ever Refugee Youth Camp!

THE SOLUTION

Kem Harapan aims to provide refugee youth a safe space to experience the wonderful Malaysian outdoors, while exploring questions of identity with a keen interest on understanding the challenges of growing up as a refugee. Participants will presented the opportunity to enage with the following activites:

1. Ice breaking and evening games organized by Getaway Camps
2. 'Cultivating Emotional Awareness,' by SUKA Society (an organization that empowers young people)
3. Jungle tracking with a guide prepared by Khalsa Land campsite
4. 'Gender and Leadership', by Sisters in Islam
5. Short film screening, prepared by Freedom Film Network
6. 'Young People and Climate Change', by Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY)

SSfR is looking for financial support to suplement the cost of the camp (participants will be paying RM75/person to cover costs associated with accomodation and food. SSfR is specifically looking for support to subsidies the cost of travel to and from the campsite (RM 2,000 for 2 buses - organizers expect 75 participants)

THE IMPACT

The camp intends to create a lasting bond amongst refugee youth, highlighting the potential of fellowship and communal support in areas of shared experiences and circumstances. The camp is also designed to provide strategic exposure to refugee youth to spark resilience and contribute to confidence building.

Goal Breakdown

Goal 1 - Transport. Amount Needed: MYR2,000.00

Goal 2 - . Amount Needed: MYR

Goal 3 - . Amount Needed: MYR

Contribute now to SSfR's first ever Refugee Youth Camp!