KUALA LUMPUR: About 85 refugee children under the care of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) were treated to Easter lunch by Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
Myanmar children have a sweet taste of Malaysian hospitality at Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Pic by Nurul Shafina Jemenon
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The Myanmar children, aged between 6 and 16, were from Kachin Refugee Learning Centre and the United Learning Centre.
The children were treated to a feast of seafood pizzas, hot dogs, spaghetti, muffins, cupcakes, chocolate Easter eggs and more.
They were entertained by clowns, who made them balloons, and Mr Candyman, who made and distributed popcorn.
After lunch, the children decorated muffins and painted Easter eggs.
Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre general manager Jagdish Pantlia said the hotel believed in helping underprivileged children by providing them with a healthy environment to have fun.
"This is the first time we are having refugee children as guests and we are delighted to share the festive spirit of Easter and show them some Malaysian hospitality," said Pantlia.
UNHCR spokesman Yante Ismail was happy to see the children shown such kindness by Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
"These kids were forced to flee their countries by armed conflicts and human rights abuses. Their refugee status limits them from exposure to the outside world.
"I am grateful to Novotel for inviting them here to experience first-class treatment, explore different cultures and have fun. Kids deserve to play and have fun, it is part of their development," she said.
United Learning Centre head teacher Jonathan Tan Hla said the children were extremely excited as it was their first visit to a hotel.
"Refugee centres like us struggle every day with limited resources. We usually celebrate festive seasons moderately. I hope for more invitations and activities like this for the refugees," he said.
Kachin Refugee Learning Centre student, who is fondly known as Seng Mai, was overwhelmed by the hotel's generosity.
"I enjoyed all the games and activities. I hope there will be more to come," said the 11-year-old.
Another refugee from the same centre, Rachel, 16, said the celebration was meaningful and precious.
"I had a great time as the hotel team treated us like family," she said.
UNHCR began operation in Malaysia in 1975. There are over 96,000 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia of which 19,600 are youths and children with no access to formal education.
The children were treated to a feast of seafood pizzas, hot dogs, spaghetti, muffins, cupcakes, chocolate Easter eggs and more.
They were entertained by clowns, who made them balloons, and Mr Candyman, who made and distributed popcorn.
After lunch, the children decorated muffins and painted Easter eggs.
Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre general manager Jagdish Pantlia said the hotel believed in helping underprivileged children by providing them with a healthy environment to have fun.
"This is the first time we are having refugee children as guests and we are delighted to share the festive spirit of Easter and show them some Malaysian hospitality," said Pantlia.
UNHCR spokesman Yante Ismail was happy to see the children shown such kindness by Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
"These kids were forced to flee their countries by armed conflicts and human rights abuses. Their refugee status limits them from exposure to the outside world.
"I am grateful to Novotel for inviting them here to experience first-class treatment, explore different cultures and have fun. Kids deserve to play and have fun, it is part of their development," she said.
United Learning Centre head teacher Jonathan Tan Hla said the children were extremely excited as it was their first visit to a hotel.
"Refugee centres like us struggle every day with limited resources. We usually celebrate festive seasons moderately. I hope for more invitations and activities like this for the refugees," he said.
Kachin Refugee Learning Centre student, who is fondly known as Seng Mai, was overwhelmed by the hotel's generosity.
"I enjoyed all the games and activities. I hope there will be more to come," said the 11-year-old.
Another refugee from the same centre, Rachel, 16, said the celebration was meaningful and precious.
"I had a great time as the hotel team treated us like family," she said.
UNHCR began operation in Malaysia in 1975. There are over 96,000 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR in Malaysia of which 19,600 are youths and children with no access to formal education.
Source : http://www.nst.com.my
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