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
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
This is a wonderful story, so full of compassion and kindness. There are so many examples of giving here: from students, from volunteer teachers, from businesses and corporations.
ReplyDeleteIt is heart-warming to see so many acts of kindess.