Save Somali Community School in Malaysia

When we think of heroes, we picture someone brave and strong (and maybe even with a cape flapping behind him). But often the real heroes are the people on the grassroots who are drivers of positive social change... 

In 2011, a group of 7 Somali refugees decided that their next generations must have access to good education in Malaysia. This is a story worth telling, an advocacy worth fighting for, yet what to do if you do not have enough money to sustain it?

It is for this reason that Humanity Heroes is reaching out to your hearts to support the Somali Refugee in Malaysia.  Unfortunately, as of to date, the refugee fund is getting critically low. Every month, paying the RM 1,700 (roughly USD 400) rent, among other expenses, has been a challenge, and it gets them worried that the school might have to close soon. 

THE CONTEXT

Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. By law, refugees in Malaysia are not allowed to work, so almost all of them are having financial problems with everyday living. Children are also not accepted into the local government schools. This is not stopping their passion for education and to live a normal life just like any other children.

From Refugees to Community Builders

For the last 6 years, this refugee-led school has been raising awareness on the importance of education in the refugee community in Malaysia. From only having 14 Somali students at first, the school is now proudly educating 70 students from 9 different countries (Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Morocco, Yemen, Tanzania, Ghana, Bangladesh) from the age of 4 (kindergarten) to 19 (form 2).

There are currently 8 teachers (3 morning session + 3 afternoon session + 2 Al-Quran session) teaching Arabic, Islamic Studies, English, Maths, Science and Social studies from Monday to Friday. The school is following Malaysian school syllabus wherever possible. 

The school is also hosting daily Al-Quran and Arabic classes after the afternoon session, which is open to local Malaysian students. This has been the main means for them to raise funds for the school, through their knowledge and skills.

In conjunction with Kindness Futsal Cup this 3rd April 2016, they recently launched the Somali Refugee Community's futsal team for students aged 17 and below.  Given the right opportunity, enough exposure and constant structured training, they have a huge potential to be one of the best teams in the country.  The ultimate goal is to win each tournament they participate in as part of the sustainable livelihood programme.  

Another sustainable livelihood project that Humanity Heroes is currently working on with them are a hair saloon and cooking project for refugees.

How You Can Help 

The community needs YOUR SUPPORT in saving the school this month and in the months come, so that it can continue educating children in the refugee community particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. If we can raise rent and materials for a good 3 months (USD1,200), then the school can focus on developing its students and buying  more time for more sustainable fundraising. 

*** If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact their representative, Ashraff Rahman at this contact form, email address, ashraff@humanityheroes.org or donation@humanityheroes.org.