KUALA LUMPUR – The Rotary Club of Bukit Kiara Sunrise (RCBKS), in collaboration with Parastoo Theatre and 12 partner Rotary and Rotaract clubs, has concluded its Global Grant Project.
According to RCBKS, the project was curated to support refugees in Malaysia through an art-based approach, with the aim of improving their lifestyles.
“It addresses four critical areas of need among refugees: mental health and psychosocial support, learning and education, income generation, and public awareness,” RCBKS said in a statement.
It added that the project empowers refugees to rebuild confidence, develop skills, and share their stories, fostering understanding while strengthening social cohesion within the wider community.
Funded by The Rotary Foundation (TRF) of Rotary International and coordinated by RCBKS, the two-year project is valued at RM218,000.
With this funding, the project was implemented for four main purposes, including the establishment of a Parastoo Learning Centre for refugees to address language barriers and the need for sustainable income-generation opportunities.
“The grant will support the establishment of the Parastoo Learning Centre, which is run by refugees for refugees, focusing on language education, professional leadership, and performing arts training,” RCBKS said
“Trainers will also be trained to support theatre performances and mental health programmes,” RCBKS added.
Public awareness
Wealth generation is further achieved through activities delivered by the Parastoo Learning Centre and implemented through Parastoo Theatre performances.
“Training more refugees and increasing the number of theatre performances will provide long-term financial stability for refugee graduates from the learning centre, who will receive allowances for their performances,” said RCBKS.
“These performances will also provide opportunities for fundraising and public awareness,” added the club.
The project also aims to create public awareness of the plight of refugees in Malaysia, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic development, as well as the need to respect their humanity and dignity.
Beneficiaries of the project are refugees residing in the Ampang area of Kuala Lumpur.
“Malaysia is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention nor its Protocol and does not have an asylum system regulating the status and rights of refugees,” said RCBKS.
However, the nation hosts around 181,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from countries such as Myanmar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria and Somalia. – January 6, 2026