JOURNEY of
Humanitarian Affairs
MALACCA CITY
Malaysia 2010
2 / The Journey of Love
Connecting People with Communities in Need
Malaysia 2010 / 3
4 / The Journey of Love
INTRODUCTION
F
rom rugged mountains reaching dramatically for the sky to dense jungles
teeming
with
forest
life;
from
warm,
sandy beaches to bustling metropolitan cities Malaysia is a true melting-pot of lands, races and religions. Boasting of a mixed population of Malays, Chinese and Indians, multicultur-
...other parts of the country remain relatively underdeveloped and impoverished, and are in dire need of change.
alism has gone on to establish Malaysia as a
gastronomical
paradise
and
home
to
countless vibrant festivals.
While this fascinating nation has a lot to offer, it still remains under visited compared to its neighbours in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is primarily viewed as a shopping hub and a holiday getaway destination. Parts of the nation are extremely developed, in particular the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, home to the Petronas Twin Towers; and its islands of Langkawi and Penang, amongst others, which draw millions of tourists to their shorelines annually.
This is Malaysia. Malaysia 2010 / 5
However,
other
parts
of
the
children
are
fought
for,
it
is
country remain relatively underde-
shocking to find that in Malaysia
veloped and impoverished, and are
alone there are scores of babies
in dire need of change. Poverty
being abandoned every year. They
affects more ru-
are often left in
ral
secluded
than
urban
public
household, where
places, like toilets
the income of the
and
richest 20 per cent
dumps,
of households in
ably in the hope
2010 was found
that the child’s
to be six times
well-being will be
higher than the in-
looked after. In
come of the poor-
fact, according to
est 40 per cent.
current
With
such
a
strikingly
high
400,000
wonder then that education too is
Worryingly,
ly accessible to all strata of society.
(in
protection is in Malaysia, it is
an area where available data is very and
when
available,
is
inconsistent. While the rights of 6 / The Journey of Love
abuse
orphans
have
in
cases also
Malaysia. of
been
child on
an
affected twice as much as boys
s significant an issue child
limited
United
increase in recent years with girls
SOCIAL ISSUES
A
presum-
Nations statistics, there are over
number of impoverished, it is no often of low quality and not adequate-
rubbish
2010,
registered
abuse
cases of boys were 1253 and of girls were 2175) and with increasing proportions sexual abuse.
of
neglect
and
Cambodia Malaysia 2014 2010 / 7
This is Malaysia.
TOUCHING HEARTS
M
alaysia, in the past few years, has shown brave efforts in
improving the welfare of its children. The under-five and infant mortality rates were reduced to 8.5 and 6.8 per 1,000 live births respectively
in
2010.
Although
might not reach all groups due to disparity in gender, age, ethnic group, and geographical locations. Invariably,
some
children
are
left invisible and hidden, with little opportunity to claim their rights.
significant improvements on chil-
In such a grim scenario, Humani-
dren’s well-being have been realised
tarian Affairs offers young leaders
over the years, these improvements
and
8 / The Journey of Love
students
from
across
the
world a most rewarding and active
the
conscientious
way by which they can get involved
you
who
and volunteer their time and love
experience
in Malaysia. We provide services
level.
and
fascinating
assistance
through
our
This
volunteers who are reaching out
sure
and making a serious impact on
volunteer
local
projects
communities
and
bringing
wants
explorer to
to
take the
small
yet
country
trove
endlessly
is
a
for been
their next trea-
diverse
opportunities. have
in
in
Our opera-
light in the lives of those innocents
tion since 2010, and have enjoyed
who have been left unseen.
the benefit of hundreds of foreign
Our volunteer project in Malay-
volunteers from around the world.
sia offers a variety of options to
This opportunity to lend a hand and personally witness lives being changed is something that will stay with me for a lifetime. Audrey Guo Taiwan
Malaysia 2010 / 9
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CONNECTING PEOPLE
H
umanitarian Affairs connects its international volunteers to non-
governmental international organisations, one in particular which offers free training on life-skills for disadvantaged and at-risk youth from poorer communities. The volunteers were able to directly engage with the Malaysian youth through a dialogue session during which they shared their culture, habits and got to know each other better. The forging of new friendships went on to serve them well as the two groups got together to paint bright wall murals, hoping to bring some sunshine and happiness to the lives of the residents. The time spent in each other’s company painting colourful and hopeful pictures proved to be a
Malaysia 2010 / 11
beautiful symbol and a remembrance of an unforgettable time spent with
I have enjoyed this wonderful program and experience, and only wish I could have stayed on. Volunteering in Malaysia has made me appreciate life much more; it showed me that even the poorest people can be the most joyful and welcoming people you could ever come across ! Echo Pan-Ni An Intern Humanitarian Affairs Asia
12 / The Journey of Love
one another. Our volunteers were also delighted to sample local cuisine like Nasi
Briyani
with
their
friends,
especially since most had never before eaten Malaysian cuisine. You too will have the chance to create invaluable memories Malaysian our
and
friendships
locals,
volunteers
and be
with much
exposed
the like
to
a
novel environment and way of living.
This is Malaysia.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
O
ur
Malaysia
can
really
Project make
a
places
volunteers
difference.
where
Through
they
constant
interaction and with education, our volunteers transform the lives of countless disadvantaged children every year. Enthusiasm challenging
and role,
dedication but
are
for
a the
must right
for
this
individu-
al it is a truly profound experience. Our young international
volunteers
were
privileged
to
spend
some
quality time at a Spastic Children’s Home. 60 volunteers
Malaysia 2010 / 13
came face to face with children
lar massage. The strong tie forming
suffering from disability and through
between the volunteers and the
the experience were able to gain an
children
understanding of the plight of the
refused
less fortunate in Malaysia’s society.
sides,
The
when volunteers paired off and
volunteers
quite
nervous
with
the
had
no
were
about
children, prior
initially
interacting
meant to
leave
even
that
they
each
other’s
during
mealtimes
offered to feed each child.
since
most
Volunteers
were
experience
with
overwhelmed
touched during
their
disabled children. Gradually, with
interaction
the staff’s help, the volunteers
children. They were left with a
started to felt more comfortable and
greater understanding of the little
began to talk and play with them.
ones who are very often overlooked
Many remarked afterwards that
and pitied, yet never appreciated.
the sweet, guileless faces of the
They learnt to demonstrate towards
children made it easy to let go
them a loving empathy and make
of their reservations and warm
a connection with them, coming
up to them. The volunteers took
to realise that their differences
turns keeping the children company
slowly disappeared as they joyfully
and
came to know one another.
getting
involved
in
the
inner workings of Children’s Home, and thus easing the work load for the local staff there. A number of youths helped by taking care of the children’s laundry; others learnt how to execute massage therapy especially for the children who were bedridden and required regu14 / The Journey of Love
To
all
with
and
future
these
special
volunteers
in
Malaysia - be a part of the special needs
program!
The
wonderful
children are in need of caring people. Those with kind hearts could make an enormous difference to these children.
The wonderful children are in need of caring people. Those with kind hearts could make an enormous difference to these children. Anam Hamid, India
This is Malaysia. Malaysia 2010 / 15
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OUR MISSION
The mission of Humanitarian Affairs is to empower young
people and facilitate those youth who are passionate about positive social change. The organisation was established with a vision to set an action based example for young people interested in making a difference to those less fortunate than themselves. It aims to translate their intention and ideas into action, and provide comprehensive exposure for the development of well-rounded future leaders. Humanitarian Affairs seeks to create a drive and sense of purpose in young leaders by equipping them with the rights skills and tools to spark a generation of dynamic individuals paving the way for the larger social good.
This is Malaysia.
Malaysia 2010 / 17
VOLUNTE
A
number
of
Hum
projects are focus
children. Projects range children,
to
providing
education to disadvan outings
for
Our
Projects
so
that
those place they
a
daily Malaysian life, a locals and help the
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EER PROJECTS
manitarian
Affairs’
volunteer
sed on working for and with
e from looking after orphaned
g
much
needed
non-formal
ntaged youth, to educational who
have
volunteers
are
truly
been in
such
deprived. a
way
immersed
in
are able to interact with the children who need it most.
Malaysia 2010 / 19
The volunteers were introduced to certain orphanages that also provide for low income Muslim families
which
are
unable
to
support their children. More than 150 volunteers from Humanitarian Affairs organised a picnic for 250
children
from
various
orphanages - children who emerge from broken or disrupted homes. In the teeming heat of the day, the youth volunteers forgot the blazing sun and instead played
The children really showed their appreciation... I feel like our time together taught us so much about this place and these wonderful people, and they in turn learnt a great deal about our culture and lifestyle.
football with the kids on the beach, the
favourite
game
of
Lara Wade, Australia
locals.
Others were entertained with games of Frisbee and beach volleyball, and
several
younger
ones
how
build
Our project is focused on chil-
beautiful sandcastles and make kites
dren, but it is also a valuable learning
soar high into the sky. Through simple
experience for our volunteers and
activities,
offers them a unique taste of
gleefully
learnt
the
to
volunteers
and
children learnt the unspoken lan-
Malaysian
guage of love and care. With such
real difference to people’s lives at a
instances and exposure, Humanitar-
community level. You as a volunteer
ian Affairs hopes to cultivate in the
can help out with all kinds of tasks
youth a lifestyle of compassion and
and activities to help improve and
giving happiness to those who need it.
enrich the lives of the children.
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life
while
making
a
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OUTINGS WITH THE CHILDREN
O
n a bright, sunny day in Malaysia, 80 youth volunteers accompanied a
group of 100 children from disadvantaged backgrounds
to
Melaka
Wonderland
Theme Park & Resort, a newly established water theme park and resort located in the city of Malacca. The volunteers were delighted to take them to the Park, a place that would otherwise remain inaccessible to these children whose families or caretakers could not afford such an outing. Another set of 60 volunteers went on an outing to Zoo Melaka for 100 disadvantaged children from a Children’s Home. Each trip was a joyful, educational and eye-opening experience where the children learnt much about their surrounding and nature, all the while
Malaysia 2010 / 23
enjoying themselves. Whether through visits to the theme park or the zoo, our purpose was to bring a spark of happiness and bliss to the lives of these children. You too can feel the thrill of bringing a smile on their face or a happy glint in their eyes. Our volunteers and the children inevitably learn the worth and significance of companionship; they sense the warmth of genuine love and kindness, and above all, each come to realise that there is a greater world out there for them to discover and connect with.
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Malaysia 2010 / 25
Moreover, Humanitarian Affairs along with a large group of volunteers hosted a party at a local fast food restaurant for 120 disabled children from a Children’s Home. The volunteers saw their younger selves reflected in the children and appreciated each laugh, each glance and hug, and each word of love and thanks. The simple routine of eating a meal was made exceptional so that each child could feel special. Through the universal language of love and compassion, the distance between the volunteers and children was bridged.
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This is Malaysia.
THE EXPERIENCE
E
ach year we provide hundreds of volunteers with such invaluable opportunities by which they can strengthen their
ability to communicate, appreciate diversity, explore leadership opportunities and make a difference to grassroots communities, while building cultural understanding and connections around the world. Volunteering is said to kindle happiness amongst individuals - those who volunteer and reach out believe they are making a difference and those who receive aid are appreciative of it. Volunteering with Humanitarian Affairs in Malaysia will not only present you with a feeling of accomplishment and of doing good, but it will offer you the chance of offering and receiving love, and most importantly spreading happiness. Give the gift of your time to Malaysia.
I enjoyed every aspect of my time in Malaysia... and I plan to go back for even longer. All those who are uncertain - Just do it ! You will not regret it; get ready for your life to be changed. Micheal Taylor Australia Malaysia 2010 / 29
Connecting People with Communities in Need
Writer : Anam Hamid Layout : Pixelkeet速