Pope Francis’ prayer intention for January 2025 is to pray for the right to an education for refugees and migrants. Refugee children are not allowed to access the local education system in Malaysia, despite lots of evidence showing the importance of education in almost every aspect of life. So, refugee children end up relying on volunteer-run schools set up around the country.
I teach English in one such refugee school in the Pudu area of Kuala Lumpur (since 2009) and undoubtedly, this is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. The Grace Education Centre, which relies entirely on charity, provides education for 150 children from Myanmar and our motto is, “Helping one refugee child at a time”.
I teach the older children in Standard 6 and they have the same hope and aspirations as other young people - wanting to be a footballer, teacher, doctor, singer, dancer or YouTuber. The children appreciate that education is currency for their and their family’s futures as most of them are likely to resettle in America one day. My enduring hope for the children I teach is that they will realize their dreams, whatever they might be. For me, teaching refugee children is a privilege and I am always inspired by their commitment to learn because they don’t take education for granted.
Tiggy Munnelly, Volunteer Teacher.