Inspire Malaysia 2025
From June 5 - June 14 and August 29 - September 7, 2027, volunteers will engage with local communities in Malaysia, running an educational camp for kids at a refugee non-formal education centre funded by Islamic Relief, engaging with the Rohingya and Malay communities, and taking part in community service projects, including distributing essential supplies to support vulnerable families in the region. This transformative journey provides unique insight into the region’s culture, history, and challenges.
Highlights
- Cohort 1: June 5 - June 14, 2027 (Kuala Lumpur)
- Cohort 2: August 29 - September 7, 2027 (Sabah, Kuala Lumpur)
- Fundraising Target → $3,500 CAD per volunteer
- Registration Fee: CAD $575 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)
Limited spots available! Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.
Main activities
Volunteers will embark on a 10-day journey engaging with the Rohingya and Malay communities in Malaysia. The program will give an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the refugee communities and the importance of access to quality education that fosters success.
These activities aim to provide integrated psychosocial support to the children. Psychosocial programming is crucial for orphans and vulnerable children as it allows for a structured framework for emotional support and mental well-being, helping them navigate the challenges of loss, trauma, and instability. By addressing psychological and social needs, such programming fosters resilience, emotional growth, and a sense of belonging, essential for their overall development and integration into society.
- Volunteers will run an educational camp for kids at a refugee non-formal education centre funded by Islamic Relief. The primary activities will include:
- Team building and developing self-confidence
- Fun STEM based learning activities
- Visits to scientific and educational institutions
- Volunteers will also pack and distribute food items and hygiene boxes to vulnerable families and gain an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
- Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to:
- Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with rights-holders to hear their stories.
- Participate in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to historical landmarks.
Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Trip
The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment.
The Inspire experience continues beyond the volunteer abroad trip. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.
Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.
Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.
We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.
Fundraising Process
Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $4,000, which directly supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in Morocco, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.
Volunteers will be supported with their fundraising through:
- Personalized fundraising coaching
- Tips for community engagement
- Digital tools and templates for outreach
Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.
Accommodations & Costs
Islamic Relief Canada will cover:
- Accommodation during the trip
- Ground transportation within Malaysia
- Group meals and organized group activities
Volunteers are responsible for:
- Flights to and from Malaysia
- Mandatory health and travel insurance
- Personal expenses not related to group logistics
- Expenses related to the VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) application
Pre-Trip Training
All accepted participants must attend mandatory orientation sessions and complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:
- Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
- Fundraising strategy and planning
- Passion Project sessions
- Activity Planning sessions
- Group bonding and spiritual preparation
- Cultural etiquette and expectations in Malaysia
- Health, safety, and travel protocols
Training sessions will be approximately 1-2 hours each. Full attendance is required.