Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Heart Project to Raise Funds for Kachin Schools

"In our life there is a single color, as on an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of LOVE." - Marc Chagall


Hurry! Hurry! The items are finally here - hot off the printing press!

2010 Year of the Tiger CD Calendars (very cool, CD case flips over to become display stand for each month, includes Malaysian public & school holidays) - RM15 each

Christmas Angel Cards (pack of 6 designs with envelopes - blank, 5 x 7 inches) - RM12 per pack

Christmas Gift Wrap & Angel Gift Card Set - RM6 per set

Angel Gift Card small 2 designs (blank) - RM2 each

Handmade Clay Christmas Ornaments - 3 designs (only 70 pieces available!) - RM15 per piece

Handmade Clay Medallions (only 260 pieces available, with photo of child behind) - RM20 per piece

Jungle Cards (pack of 6 designs with envelopes - blank, 5 x 7 inches) - RM12 per pack

Company logos can be printed on back of cards and calenders to be given out as premiums to clients. Only costs an additional RM70-80 per color for company logo (minimum order of 100).

All proceeds will go towards supporting the educational and basic needs of the children.



HeArt is a non-profit group comprising local and expat volunteer teachers from the two Kachin refugee schools. The group aims to raise funds for the schools through selling marketable products using original artwork from the students. There is alot of artistic talent among the 200 plus students. The kids feel honoured and proud that they are able to raise funds for their education through their own talents and effort. This is so empowering for them.

HeArt is planning additional future projects including art contests and exhibitions among the refugee community.


For orders and more information send an email to my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com














Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Da Vinci Experience




40 refugee students and teachers were recently invited by the organizers of the Da Vinci - The Genius exhibition to witness firsthand the amazing works of Leonardo Da Vinci.
It was the first time the students and teachers had ever been to a Science Center (where the exhibition is being held). Just at the entrance alone they were in awe of the huge aquarium tunnel and even asked if the fish were real!

They spent about an hour exploring the main part of the Science Center and had alot of fun with the interactive exhibits.

The kids had been learning about Da Vinci in school so when it was time for the tour they were so fascinated and asked many questions. The exhibition guides were very informative and explained through the teachers about his works. They spent about 2 hours at the exhibition.
"I really enjoyed it. I thought Da Vinci was only an artist but he was a great genius. If people in the past like him could create such amazing things then why can’t we as well? It really inspired me.” - Raymond, 15 yrs old

"Wow! That day was so amazing. I couldn't express how I felt. I have never been to that kind of science centre and that was my first time and a big opportunity for me. I have learnt alot from it. Thanks so much for giving us such a wonderful opportunity," - Thomas, 18 yrs old

"Such an awesome day! It opened my eyes and touched my mind. He is really an admirable person. He was not just human but a genius who was sent by God. I'd say to him "great job" for what he did." - Dominic, 15 yrs old

Thanks to Total Sports Asia for hosting the kids. They will always remember their encounter with Da Vinci - The Genius! The exhibition runs till Jan 17th 2010 at the National Science Center. For more info visit http://www.davincithegenius.com.my/













Makeover Dream for Refugee Women










A few weeks ago we organized a photo shoot for seven Kachin refugee women. The aim was to create awareness for the refugee community and to tell the stories of these courageous and strong women. More importantly the experience empowered them in a way they have not felt in a long time. Which gal wouldn't be delighted at a make over and photo session by one of the country's top photographers?

Zung of The Photoz (http://www.thephotoz.com/) and his dedicated team donated their time to do the shoot. The shots turned out amazing as expected from a master like Zung. Thanks also to Caterpillar (http://www.caterpillar.com.my)/ for hosting the venue. It was such a fun day for everyone including the volunteers. Thanks so much for all your help: Christabel, Sania, Carmen, Deborah, Paulee, Jessica, Ann, Michelle and of course Yvonne our resident stylist :)

The photos and stories will be used in a series of inspirational cards to raise money for the Kachin Refugee Women's Fund. More info on this later. We are also planning a photo exhibition with their photos and stories in conjunction with World Women's Day in March next year.


Thursday, November 5, 2009

Got Milk?

Dutch Lady recently donated 50 cartons of its nutritional YES drink to the refugee schools. Hopefully this will lead to more support from them in the future. Thanks to Onny Maathai from the Lions Club Damansara Heights for making this happen and Thank you Dutch Lady for making the kids DAIRY HAPPY :)

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Muffins for Everyone!

Last week the kids at New Generation school were treated to yummy homemade muffins. One of the school's regular supporters and donors, Sharon, lovingly made 100 muffins for the kids. Mind you, she's pregnant and her baby's due in a few weeks! The kids were so happy and prayed for her safe delivery. For many of the kids it was the first time they were eating muffins... all the best for a smooth and happy delivery Sharon and thanks for your continued support!

The kids later worked off their muffins by doing a fun yoga session with a real yoga instructor!



Thursday, October 8, 2009

Kachin Schools Shine at Faisal Cup

It was a day to remember for the Kachin schools when they took home 5 trophies at last Saturday's Faisal Cup including the Championship Trophy for the U16 football team and the U15 Girls' Netball team. It was the first time that the schools had ever won a championship and they were thrilled!
They were definitely one of the best dressed with their bright yellow and red jerseys complete with their own KRC logo. Let's not forget their fancy new boots courtesy of TSA!
The kids played their hearts out and won almost every one of their matches. The final results were Champion U16, 2nd place for U14 & U10, Champion U15 Girls Netball and 2nd U18 Girls Netball.
Congratulations to all the kids who played as well as to all their friends and teachers who came out in full force to cheer for their schools.

Go KRC!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Best Boot Forward


45 students from the Kachin schools were thrilled to try on their new football boots courtesy of Total Sports Asia. Prior to this many of them were wearing slippers and even playing barefoot (ouch!).

The kids will be playing at the annual Faisal Cup on Oct 3rd which is a football tournament for the refugee community living in Malaysia. Let's hope the new boots give them the winning edge!

Thanks TSA for the Boot Power!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

A Dream Come True!




























































On Saturday 100 Kachin students from New Generation & Victory Schools and 30 teachers and volunteers were treated to a fun day at the beach. The Methodist Center in Port Dickson gave us a good discount to use their beautiful sprawling premises for the day.

The beach trip was promised to them over a year ago for their great work on My Beautiful Myanmar. Most of the kids have never seen the ocean before so they were thrilled and excited about the trip.

After a yummy breakfast of homemade nasi lemak the kids wasted no time jumping into the water under the watchful eyes of the adult volunteers and teachers. Once in the water it was hard to get them out and the only way was to entice them with a delicious hot lunch sponsored by Jenny Chang who owns a Kenny Rogers franchise.

After lunch was Games time and everyone had a blast watching their friends do Michael Jackson impersonations, breakdancing and singing. All that talent has convinced us to stage a Myanmar Idol contest among the students! One of the girls, Ellie, even did a perfect Tamil song and dance while another sang a Korean song.

There were lots of prizes to be won, not to mention sweets galore thanks to Jenny who brought 2 large pinatas filled to the brim with assorted candies. The kids went MAD!

After more than 7 hours in PD it was time to go home, the kids were exhausted and sunburned but exhilirated from a truly fun day at the beach. I'm sure for many of them it will be a day they'll remember for the rest of their lives!

Thanks to everyone who helped and supported this trip, you can't imagine how big the kids' smiles were that day thanks to your time and contributions.

A BIG Thank You to:

Methodist Center PD (Mr. Poh & Mr. Ng, Lucas & Jenny)
Melani (Munchy's)
Jenny & Isabelle (Kenny Rogers)
Max (Malaysian CARE)
Karen & Joost
Jeanette
Masaki
Marcus & Max
Lee Chin
Janice
Fei
Helen
Ivo
Ai Ling
& to everyone who prayed for a safe & fun trip and sent us their well wishes!