A Day at the Refugee Learning Center

The warm sun rose over Kuala Lumpur, casting its light across the bustling streets of the city. It was a Sunday, a day when most people might be enjoying a leisurely breakfast or preparing for weekend activities. But for a group of Ugandans living in Malaysia, this Sunday was special. They planned a visit to a refugee learning center on the outskirts of the city, where they would spend hours with students who came from various parts of Myanmar, fleeing conflict and hardship.

The group arrived at the learning center led by the president of Ugandans in Malaysia bringing with them boxes of supplies and a palpable sense of enthusiasm. As they stepped into the school, they were greeted by the smiling faces of the students and the dedicated teachers who run the center. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with colorful artwork decorating the walls and the faint scent of Myanmar cuisine wafting from the kitchen.

The day began with introductions by the director of the center and a series of fun games. The Ugandans joined in with the students, laughing and cheering as they played games and learned new ones from the students. There was a lively game of tug-of-war, and chair dance that had everyone cheering with a pile of joyful laughter.

As lunchtime approached, the group gathered in the main hall to enjoy a meal prepared by the center’s staff. The food was traditional Myanmar cuisine, and the Ugandans were eager to try the different dishes. The students proudly explained the ingredients and cooking methods, turning the lunch into an opportunity to share their culture.

After lunch, the real work began. The Ugandans had organized a series of workshops on subjects like emotional intelligence, intercultural communication, and social media use. They knew these topics were crucial for the students, many of whom had experienced trauma and discrimination in their journeys. The workshops were designed to be interactive, with discussions and role-playing exercises that encouraged participation.

One of the workshops focused on cultural prejudice and conflict resolution. Mr. Imran Ssemuddu shared stories from his own life, recounting a time when he faced prejudice and cultural conflicts in Malaysia. He spoke about how he used humility and empathy to bridge the gap between himself and those who misunderstood him. The students listened intently, and many nodded in agreement as he spoke. The other workshops were delivered by Ms. Madinah Nakiwala, Mr. Yusuf Kaweesa, Mr. Kajoba AbdulRahim, Dr. Halimah Nalugwa, Ms. Marie Ayebale, Ms. Immaculate Nabasumba, and Ms. Julie Lily Nalugo.

The day ended with a small entertainment session, where the students performed traditional dances and songs from their homeland. The Ugandans joined in, creating a vibrant and harmonious atmosphere. The center was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and applause. The students watched videos of sights and sounds of Uganda from the beautiful animals, birds, people, and cities to the amazing songs and dances.  

As the sun began to set, the Ugandans gathered with students for group photoshoots and said their goodbyes. They knew they had made a difference, not only by sharing their knowledge but also by creating a sense of hope and connection. The students waved as the group left, their smiles a testament to the impact of the day’s activities.

The Ugandans drove away, their hearts full of gratitude for the opportunity to spend time with such resilient and inspiring young people. They knew they would return soon, eager to continue building the bridges of understanding and friendship that had begun to form on that memorable Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

                                                                                                                Stronger Together