Thursday, May 21, 2009

Refugee Kids Catch Slam Dunk Action!







130 Kachin students and teachers had the time of their lives last night when they were treated to the Harlem Globetrotters game. Just the bus ride alone in a fancy large air-con bus was a thrill in itself. Thanks ever so much to the kind "lunch" sponsors who contributed towards the bus costs. In total we had 7 buses ferrying refugee kids from the Karen, Chin, Kachin & Zomi schools as well as street kids from Chow Kit and orphans from Stepping Stones. What an honour to be able to bring some joy into their lives :)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Rations Needed for Refugee Community

There are many refugee families living around KL who struggle to feed their families. Many of them are unable to find work or hardly earn enough to cover their transportation. Some have lost their sole bread winners to illness while there are women whose husbands have been detained.

We've started a Food Ration project whereby those who are in real need "register" with their local community leaders and we distribute basic food supplies like rice, oil, non-perishables, toiletries, etc on a weekly or monthly basis.

We need your support to contribute either in cash or kind to help these families. Some of the items they need on regular basis are:

rice, cooking oil, sugar, salt, canned food like beans, sardines, jam, bread, noodles, biscuits, soap, toothpaste, detergent, sanitary napkins, diapers, etc

Please contact me if you'd like to contribute towards this project. We will post photos of the contributions given out. We welcome those who'd like to donate the food themselves.

Thanks so much for your support!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Kaleidoscope Charity Dance Concert


Sirocco Secrets Dance & Caterpillar Stretching Imagination are collaborating for a dance spectacular in aid of the Burmese refugee women & children living in Malaysia. Tickets are RM30, RM40 & RM50There will also be a raffle draw with fantastic prizes up for grabs!




Kachin Kids Donate RM25,000 to World Vision
















Kuala Lumpur, April 28th 2009



Today a cheque for RM25,000 was presented to World Vision by a very unlikely group of donors – Myanmar refugee children living in Malaysia.

“We are deeply touched by this generous donation. It is quite extraordinary to see these young children coming together to help their own people. I think this is the first time World Vision has received such a large contribution from an underprivileged group,” said Mr. Liew Tong Ngan, CEO of World Vision Malaysia.

The donation was made in conjunction with the first anniversary of Cyclone Nargis and will be used for World Vision’s rebuilding efforts in Myanmar as well as to fund their Temporary Shelter Project.

On May 2nd 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar claiming the lives of almost 150,000 people who were already struggling to survive in the poverty-stricken country. Saddened by the disaster a group of Kachin refugee children decided to embark on an ambitious but noble project to raise funds for their people back home.

Prior to the cyclone the refugee children had already been learning about the importance of helping others despite their difficult circumstances.

“The children brainstormed ideas on how they could help their people back home,” said Belle Luer, a volunteer teacher at the refugee school. “One boy suggested sending water over through a very long pipe, another said she could write letters of love and encouragement, others said they would pray for the victims and save 10 cents everyday to send over!”

The children decided to raise funds through their very own book called “My Beautiful Myanmar”. The book contains touching stories and drawings by the refugee children.

For the next two weeks the children worked tirelessly to write about why they came to Malaysia and what their hopes and dreams were. They drew pictures of what their ideal Myanmar would look like as all of them hoped to return to their homeland one day.

“It was truly amazing to see such conviction from the kids. This project has really helped to empower them and give them a sense of pride.” said Marie-Anne Yong who has been working with the children for the past two years.

Initially the books were sold through volunteers until BORDERS offered to distribute the books at their outlets in Malaysia.

“We’re hoping to raise RM100,000 and have promised the children a beach trip if we meet our target. We’re about halfway there so we hope more people will support the children’s wonderful cause by buying a book and at the same time fulfill their dream of running on the beach!” appealed Luer.

60 refugee children involved in the book were also invited by Jungle Gym and Roller Sports World for a day of play at their outlet in Bangsar Shopping Center.

For more information on the book and refugee school write to my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com . Books are available at BORDERS outlets at The Curve, The Gardens, Berjaya Times Square and Queensbay Mall in Penang. END















HARLEM GLOBETROTTER PAYS SURPRISE VISIT TO REFUGEE STUDENTS

Kuala Lumpur - April 30, 2009


50 Myanmar refugee students could not believe their eyes when Harlem Globetrotter Anthony Blakes strutted into their classroom twirling a basketball on his finger.

Just minutes before his surprise appearance the children ranging from 6 to 18 years old had been shown video clips of the Harlem Globetrotters as part of their lesson on Teamwork.

“I was so shocked to see a real Harlem Globetrotter player in our classroom! He taught us about confidence, the importance of reading and what it takes to be a winning athlete. I will always remember his visit,” said 12-year old Raymond who learned a few ball tricks from the professional basketball player.

Blakes spent about forty minutes speaking to the children and demonstrating some of Harlem Globetrotters’ trademark ball skills.

After personally giving out signed photos of himself to every child and posing for a group photo Blakes said goodbye to the excited children who still couldn’t get enough of him.

Blakes, also known as “Buckets”, is the Advance Ambassador for the Harlem Globetrotters and travels around the world mentoring young children through their C.H.E.E.R™ For Character Program. Buckets is in town to promote the Harlem Globetrotters’ upcoming event on May 20th at the Malawati Stadium.

Earlier in the week the students from Myanmar’s Kachin state had presented a check for RM25,000 to World Vision for cyclone relief efforts in Myanmar. The money was raised through their own book called “My Beautiful Myanmar”. Books are available at all BORDERS outlets.

For more information on the event contact Total Sports Asia at 03-7660 9611 or log onto http://www.tickethotline.com.my/ for tickets sales. For information on the book contact my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Welcome to our brand new blog for My Beautiful Myanmar!

I've been meaning to get around to setting this up and FINALLY I'm doing it! I'd really love to share with others about the refugee community living in Malaysia. Hopefully this blog will help to inspire others to help, or if anything change certain mindsets about the refugees. Wish me luck, I'm a virgin blogger, ha ha!