Giving refugees opportunities

IN CONJUNCTION with World Refugees Day 2012, the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Seremban chapter volunteers paid a visit to 22 Myanmar refugees living at a low- cost flat in Seremban town.

They were there to distribute donations collected from the public.

Prior to the visit, MRCS Seremban pledged to donate foodstuff, clothing, exercise books and stationery.

“The public has been generous. We have received toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, which are essential for the refugees. Many have donated exercise books, stationery and tidbits for the children,” said MRCS Seremban youth officer Albert Ling Chuan Kai, 23.

Helping them out: The Myanmar refugees with Ling (squatting front left).

According to Ling, most of the refugee children did not receive formal education due to legal reasons.

“The fact that these children are barred from attending school is so heartbreaking. They could grow up being the next Aung San Suu Kyi, making positive changes to the world, if given the right opportunities,” he added.

The Myanmar refugees are still in need of footwear, diapers, baby powder and milk.

MRCS Seremban hopes more people will come forward to volunteer to teach or just spend time with the children.

Besides the visit, MRCS Seremban Chapter also organised a quiz on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for its secondary school members.

The objective of the quiz was to encourage youngsters to learn more about law pertaining to human rights applicable during war.

Around 32 MRCS youth members from eight schools took part and SMK King George V emerged the district champion.

Participant Jegadeshwaran Gandhi, 16, who was part of the winning team, managed to answer all the questions correctly.

Fellow participant, Chiang Hui Xing, 17, from SMK Dato’ Mohd Said Nilai said that in preparation for the quiz, she learnt about the origins of IHL.

She also admires Jean Henry Dunant, the founding father of Red Cross and the first Nobel Peace Prize winner who strived hard to protect human rights. 

Source : TheStarOnline