Our Story
About 250 Rohingya refugee families live in Langkawi Island now, those who left their homes due to the ongoing political crisis and genocide there. Kiran visited the community in October 2022, their small make shift learning centre that was housing about 25 children from the ages of 5 to 12 years old.
According to the UNHCR data, about 45,000 refugee children do not have access to formal education or health care programs in Malaysia.
It felt like these children were forgotten by society. Their learning centre was run down, dirty and uncomfortable. It didn’t feel like a place for a child to learn. Refugee children in Malaysia cannot attend public schools due to their stateless status.
After a few months of knowing the children, Kiran decided to find volunteers, raise funds and create this grassroots educational project! In hopes to bring more together, create the awareness and give them the education they deserve.
The start of our new learning centre, The TreeHouse Society, a place for underprivileged children of Langkawi Island.
WHAT DO WE TEACH NOW?
We are teaching the kids communication skills, with Malay and English languages, as most of them don’t speak, read or write very well. The local languages are vital for them to adapt to the cultures here.
We now have a total of 35 students, with the youngest kids at ages to 5 to 7 years old are learning writing skills, colouring and playing together. The older kids from 8 to 13 years old are already learning English, Arts, Math and Social Studies.
Social awareness is important for us, like learning to clean after themselves, social skills and playing board games together. This happens more when there are volunteers helping out and with field trips.
Here is our gallery with photo updates since the day we started. The last few photos are from the older learning centre, where we first started from.
SPONSOR A Student for US$10 monthly!
Our first goal is to have 35 monthly sponsors for each student. Current sponsors = 3 students. Please help sponsor one student.
The TreeHouse Society
New Update! Since April 2024, our learning centre now is located in a quiet local town called Ayer Hangat, Langkawi Island. Where there is a waterfall, beaches and nature close by, which we visit during our field trips.
We are really grateful to finally have found a permanent space, two unit home-stays, that we converted into our learning centre, now with three classrooms, shared kitchen space, art area, which we call The TreeHouse Society.
Our mission is to create a learning space for all underprivileged children and empowering a sustainable creative community. We are grateful to all those who have been supporting us and contributing, friends and our partners. We thank you with big hugs!
(Artwork by Skaii De Vega, via The Kansha Life Space)
It’s not just about creating an educational space with basic needs, but to create a comfortable learning environment, with a holistic approach, social awareness and creative workshops.
What Do We Need Now?
We are looking for volunteers, for language classes, art workshops with creative materials, fun social studies and to start more field trips.
We also welcome contributions for our weekly running expenses like fuel, our monthly rental, teachers salaries, field trips, repair works and basic learning equipments.
Your support and contributions help us sustain this community base learning centre. We are truly grateful.
“They shine, when we empower.”
If you have any relevant items, educational supplies, stationaries, plants or books to give away or donate, please drop us a message!
Where will the funds will be used:
- Monthly rent and utilities cost.
- Teachers and staff fees.
- Workbooks and art supplies.
- Kitchen, repairs and up-keeping.
- Field trips and fuel cost.
- Furniture and renovation cost.
- Plants and herb garden.
- Community outreach programs.
Ways To Support Us
This can only happen with your actions, as the paper currency converts to a bigger purpose when used to empower marginalised children and the awareness keeps their stories alive.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
3. Bank Transfers:
Bank Name: Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad)
Social Enterprise : iMKIRAN Nation
Account Number : 514123632561
Swift Code: MBBEMYKL
CREATE AWARENESS
Your action and awareness is the source of our inspiration, this is where the connections happen.
1. SHARE this project to friends/family.
2. Volunteer with us.
3. Collaborate with us.
4. Create activities with friends.
(Message us directly via social media or email[admin@imkiran.com] for any enquiries)
Follow The TreeHouse Society, Langkawi Island:
Updates on Facebook
Updates on Instagram
Note: This learning centre is managed by iMKIRAN Nation (002193202H) , a registered social enterprise in Malaysia.
View all the other social projects and photography stories created all across Asia with the support of friends and partners.