This is a Zomi School. Some classes are without tables & chairs. The students are happy to sit on the floor to have some access to some form of education. Dedicated volunteers from Blessed Community Services are here almost everyday to provide the Zomi children some form of learning and prepare them for the future that awaits them if & when they are re-settled once accepted by the host country. My Heart goes to them!
As of Nov 2008, there are some 44,000 refugees and asylum seekers registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia. Of these, 39,000 are from Myanmar. Despite the adversity, as their parents are not able to obtain formal employment and they have no access to healthcare at government hospitals or clinics, not able to attend government schools and have no means to attend private schools, the Zomi children are always smiling. I guess they are grateful that there are people out there who are aware of their plight and who are helping them in any way possible. Very noble indeed!
Some are quite fortunate to have some Tables & Chairs
Class in Action!
Zomi children are eager learners
Don't disturb me, I want to read!
Zomi children proudly display the books
This is mine!
Facts & Figures:
- On 27 Mar 2009, Tania Lee & Michael Quan of SIBKL Blessed Community Services met up with Book Haven's Jeff Cheah & LC Lee to discuss the Zomi mini-Library Project
- On 8 Apr 2009, a group of volunteers from SIBKL Blessed Community Services were at the Scholastic Office to select the books (65 books) for the Zomi School mini-Library
- Also on 8 Apr 2009, the Zomi children gathered around to choose the appropriate books (62 books in all) for the mini-Library
- On 12 Apr 2009, two full-height, book cabinets were delivered to the Zomi School
- On 6 May 2009, Jeff Cheah handed over 25 books donated by The Dram Projects
- On 19 Jun 2009, on the mini-Library opening at Zomi School, The Dram Projects again donated another 60 books
- On 16 Aug, a batch of 213 books were donated to Zomi & Zophie Schools from the Book Raising Drive held at Villa Flora Condo, TTDI
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Acknowledgements:
- The 1st batch of books & book cabinets are sponsored by the ABC Golf Group
- Blessed Community Service volunteers facilitated in the selection of books at the Scholastic Book Shop
- The Dram Projects (Daphne Lee) donated a total of 85 books, complimentary of various Book Publishers
For more photos, go to Album http://picasaweb.google.com/bookhaven2008/ZomiZophieChildrenInSchool# http://picasaweb.google.com/bookhaven2008/ChoosingBooksByMyanmarChildren#
