The talent of refugee children shone today in a Talent Competition organised in conjunction with Universal Children's Day. 12 Finalists comprising refugee children between 10-17 years sang and danced to vie for the top prizes in the Refugee Children Talent Competition.
Themed "I'm A Star", this is the second time this talent competition has been held by UNHCR specifically for refugee children in Malaysia. Since October, over 200 refugee children from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Somalia have auditioned for the talent competition.
Wiith a voice that belied his young age, 10 year old Sen Hkum Share took the trophy home with his heartfelt rendition of Westlife's 'Fool Again', while 11 year old Tu Chin Lian impressed the judges to victory with his moonwalk moves of Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal'.
Universal Children's Day 2011 recognises the rights of children worldwide to have a childhood of safety and with the highest possible quality of life. However, this right is often denied to refugee children.
There are over 19,000 refugee children in Malaysia. Due to trauma and displacement because of war and conflict, many of them are denied normal childhoods.
While in exile, they often do not have the opportunity to participate in activities enjoyed by other children their age - activities which provide essential lessons for their mental and physical well-being and development - including expressions of creativity, healthy competition, team work and play.
The Refugee Children Talent Competition was held to give refugee children this opportunity, and the right to normal childhood activities like every other child.
Winners of the Refugee Children Talent Competition 2011
UNHCR KL Representative Alan Vernon giving a short welcoming speech before the show begins
Winner of the singing category Seng Hkum Share performing Westlife's 'Fool Again'
Some of the winners posing with friends and family after the show
Winner of the dancing category Tu Cin Lian ready to moonwalk to Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal
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