Lulu Leaves on a Jetplane...

A few weeks ago we said goodbye to one of the most amazing women I've ever met. Lulu was finally relocated to the US (Des Moines, Iowa) in December after spending 3 years in Malaysia.

Lulu founded New Generation and Victory Schools almost 3 years ago and has been instrumental in helping her Kachin community receive aid and education. To me she is the true leader of her community and many would attest to that.

She is a tireless worker who has sacrificed so much for her people. She spent many nights staying up late to help her friends or just lend a sympathetic ear. She would put others first before herself especially the children whom she loved and helped to educate. One of the most amazing things about her was her ability to manifest positive things to happen. Whenever she had a need for the school, for the children or for her community, she would pray diligently and with great persistence. Within a few days someone would donate the items she prayed for or give a donation at a time in need. Her faith is unbelievably strong and her intentions are always noble.

It was with a heavy heart that Lulu left for Des Moines Iowa on December 15th as she was sad to leave behind the schools she had built and the community she patiently helped to take care of. But she also left confident that her legacy will continue in the capable hands of her successor, Teacher Grace and all the other great Kachin teachers whom she trained personally. It was a tearful farewell party and all the teachers and volunteers took turns to share their experience with Lulu and some even sang songs to her which got the whole room reaching for the tissue box!

I don't think she realises just how much she has done for her people especially the children she has helped to educate and empower. Lulu will always be remembered as a great and inspirational leader and is a role model for so many of us.

We wish you all the best in Iowa and look forward to more updates from you. I know you'll be just as great a leader in Des Moines as you were here. God bless you always!

HeArt-felt Gratitude

A giant THANK YOU to everyone who purchased HeArt merchandise. I am very pleased to announce that since sales started about a month and a half ago we have managed to raise almost RM19,000 for New Generation & Victory Schools!!

We had several generous companies buying a few hundred calenders to give away as premiums (thanks Marcus, Sheen & Lee Chin!). We also made some great sales at the various Christmas bazaars. Lauren did a fantastic job with the display and presentation (see photos here). She and Donna raised RM3177 at the American Bazaar. We also did well at the German Bazaar and various other international school bazaars & art markets (thanks Shannon). I would like to extend our gratitude to the Interact Club of Alice Smith School for helping us raise more than RM800 at their bazaar (Myrthe & Hideko you girls rock!).

It was a busy year end with all the bazaars but it was well worth every effort. All proceeds from the sales will go towards the 2 refugee schools involved in the project. It will be used for school rental, food, school supplies, art materials, school fees and other basic necessities for the refugee children.

The children, as you can imagine, are incredibly proud to be a part of this project and feel empowered that they are able to help raise funds for their schools.

We are almost sold out of our 2010 calenders and handmade medallions so pls order them quickly. We still have alot of Angel & Jungle cards as well as angel gift wrap and gift cards. For orders send an email to my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com

Once again thanks so much for your continued support, it means so much to the children. Stay tuned for some exciting upcoming art projects through HeArt!

Christmas Treat from Lions Club

The Lions Club of Damansara Heights recently hosted almost 400 refugee students, their parents and their teachers to a huge Christmas party held at DUMC's Dream Center.

Mr. Onny Maathai (President of the Lions Club D'sara Heights) and his team of "Lions" including volunteers from HELP Institute, made sure everyone had a great time. There was lots of great food sponsored by Ahli Maju, presents and Christmas party favours, and even a fantastic performance by an 11-yr old magician. The kids were entertained by clowns and loved the balloon sculpture and face painting done by volunteers. Later on the students from New Generation & Victory Schools performed some songs, dances and even a catwalk show with the youngest "model" being only 5 years old!

It was a great evening and many of the parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their children.

Thanks to the Lions Club and all the sponsors for making this happen, thanks also to DUMC for hosting the venue.

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.

For more photos pls visit http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=name&id=521855784#/album.php?aid=133442&id=521855784&ref=mf.

Also join Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=171756634527&ref=ts

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

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/

For more photos visit http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3408833&id=521855784&op=1&view=all&subj=171756634527&aid=-1&oid=171756634527&saved#/album.php?aid=133402&id=521855784

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.

You can view more photos at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3408833&id=521855784&op=1&view=all&subj=171756634527&aid=-1&oid=171756634527&saved#/album.php?page=1&aid=127238&id=521855784

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 :)