Pathways to Empowerment: Supporting Refugees Communities

The Story

Hi, we are Kai Xuen and Ellie Tang, passionate volunteers from the "Empowering Equalities" project by AIESEC in Sunway University. 

As of end July 2023, there are 182,010 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia. Unfortunately, they still stand at the crossroads of uncertainty, as Malaysia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention. This implies that refugee children are not allowed to enroll in public schools, or work, while community-based learning centers have no sustainable funding and lack teaching capacity and resources.

Since we were young, we always read about refugees in Malaysia and their tough lives. When we read about how they were struggling and how their dreams were stuck, we felt something inside us. We thought about the kids who wanted to learn, the parents who needed jobs, and the families who were just looking for safety. It was like we could see their faces and stories in my mind.

Right then, we decided we wanted to do something. We didn't know exactly what, but we wanted to help, even if it was just a little bit. We started looking into it more, connecting with groups, and learning about what was happening to refugees in Malaysia. Luckily, partnering with like-minded individuals and joining forces with organizations such as AIESEC in Sunway through the "Empowering Equalities" project, we found a platform to channel our empathy into action.

Through this project, we're making big changes for refugees in Malaysia. By raising funds, we hope to improve educational opportunities, creating and enhancing community learning centers for children and adults. We also plan to train refugees in different jobs so they can earn a living. Beyond that, we're creating places where refugees can come together, share stories, and support each other. Plus, we're letting more Malaysians know about the challenges refugees face, helping to build understanding. Our goal is to give refugees the tools they need for a better life here.

Therefore, your contribution can provide crucial support for education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for refugee families. By offering a hand up, you're helping them forge new pathways to resilience and self-reliance.

Our fundraising campaign will start from 1st September 2023 until 10th October 2023. With your generosity, we aim to not only touch lives but to reshape the narrative for these resilient souls. Let us build bridges of understanding and compassion, creating a brighter chapter for each individual and their families. Let's transform lives together!