KUALA LUMPUR – The Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara (RCBKS) has officially launched a groundbreaking project valued at RM218,000, aimed at fostering skill development and enhancing the livelihoods of refugees in Malaysia through the arts.
In collaboration with Parastoo Theatre and generously supported by The Rotary International Foundation (TRF), the project commenced in August last year and is slated for completion in December next year.
Carmen Lee, chair of the club’s refugee project, explained that the project’s two-year duration is crucial for devising the most effective and sustainable support system for refugees.
“As of late February, Malaysia hosts approximately 187,020 refugees who face significant challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities,” Lee told Scoop during the project’s launch at Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club today.
She emphasised the project’s focus on improving the mental well-being of refugees, particularly those recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder through artistic endeavours.
“In addition to addressing mental health, we aim to establish the Parastoo Learning Centre to tackle language barriers among refugees by providing language education and training in performing arts,” Lee said.
“We also aim to raise the public’s awareness of the refugees’ plight in Malaysia.”
“We hope that this project will be a success in relieving the refugee’s challenging situation and so they know Malaysians do care (about them),” she added.
The launch event witnessed the presence of RCBKS members and key contributors to the project, including the club’s Global Grant Team lead, Edmund Dadson, Dr. Yee Yoke Leong, Kenny Mong, and Dhanesh Balakrishnan.
Lee further highlighted that the project primarily targets Afghan and Rohingya refugees residing in Ampang, while encouraging refugees of other nationalities to participate.
In addition to Parastoo Theatre, RCBKS has partnered with 12 other Rotary and Rotaract clubs, including those from Taiwan and Singapore for this project. – March 23, 2024