Inspire Malaysia 2025

 From August 30th - September 8th, volunteers will run an educational camp for kids at a refugee non-formal education centre funded by Islamic Relief, engaging with the Rohingya and Malay communities.

Highlights

  • Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
  • Fundraising Target → $3,500 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee → $475 CAD non-refundable registration fee is required once accepted into the Inspire program

Apply now

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program is looking for participants who have the following criteria:

  • Over 18 years old of age
  • Able to attend orientation sessions and necessary training
  • Sincere interest and passion for helping others
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • Intercultural awareness and excellent intercultural communication skills
  • Able to work with youth and children
  • Formal or non-formal education or training relevant to the program
  • Flexible and adaptable in new, potentially stressful environments

Background

Over 30,000 Rohingya refugees are registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia; however, it is expected that around 100,000 Rohingya refugees still need to be registered within Malaysia. This means they have restricted access to many essential services, including education. Many refugee children have missed years of schooling, which greatly impacts their future and that of their families. 

Islamic Relief has been working since 2005, reaching over 450,000 rights-holders in Malaysia. This Inspire program aims to provide education and improve the skills of Rohingya children ages 7 to 17 through enrollment in an Alternative Learning Centre for Refugees (RISE). 

Since 2018, Inspire has held 5 trips to Malaysia, running educational and psychosocial support programs with local Rohingya and Malay orphans.

Check out our previous Inspire Program activities in Malaysia!


Main activities

Volunteers will go on a 10-day journey engaging with the Rohingya and Malay communities to learn about their lives. 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

STEM based learning activities


Fun 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:

  1. Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with rights-holders to hear their stories.
  2. Participate in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to Putrajaya, Pasar Seni, and other historical landmarks.

Benefits of field study

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. 

After completing the program, letters of reference will be given out to participants upon request. Participants will also be encouraged to continue volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada following the trip to continue their humanitarian efforts.


Fundraising Process

All accepted applicants are required to raise a minimum of $3,500 CAD each. The funds raised will support existing Islamic relief projects in Malaysia. We will provide each volunteer with a fundraising session that includes tips on how to raise money, how to engage your network, etc. We will also set up an online fundraising page for each volunteer to raise funds for their project. 

Donations will be allocated towards the Inspire program components and contribute to ongoing, long-term projects in the region. None of the donations will go towards the personal costs of the volunteers. 

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover your stay in Malaysia, including your accommodation, transportation within the country, food, and scheduled sightseeing activities. Please note that flights are NOT covered. Thus, the volunteer is responsible for purchasing their flights to and from Malaysia and mandatory health insurance.

Pre-Departure Training

Once accepted into the program, volunteers are required to complete a combination of mandatory virtual and online training sessions. There will be about 3-4 sessions in total, with an average duration of 2 hours each. The training will cover Fundraising, Team Building, Country Profile, Islamic Relief's History, Field Safety and Security, Activity Planning, Humanitarian Standards, and Passion Projects. The schedule will be released upon being accepted into the program. These training sessions are mandatory to attend. 

Reflections from our changemakers 

“One of my most impactful moments was visiting the refugee homes. It was very eye-opening and emotional to hear their stories and struggles. These visits will always be a reminder for me about what it means to have hope and remain resilient, even in times of struggle, and the Rohingya refugees that I met and worked with on this trip reinforced that thought.”   

“The trip improved my interpersonal and communication skills. Prior to the trip, I didn’t know any of the other volunteers. I was brought out of my comfort zone to build relationships and collaborate with the team throughout the week. It also improved my ability to act as a leader through working with the RISE Malaysia students. It challenged my ability to problem solve, make decisions, and adapt on the fly.”  

"The main takeaway I got from the Inspire Malaysia trip was the importance of expressing gratitude and being optimistic. Working with the Rohingya students gave me a new perspective on my privilege and the positive impact I can have on others."   ​