CEAM Opens New Learning Center for 200 K'Cho Children
Education

CEAM Opens New Learning Center for 200 K'Cho Children

Sarah Thompson

Communications Director

March 10, 20246 min read
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A beacon of hope shines brighter as CEAM inaugurates its third learning center in Kuala Lumpur, providing education access to 200 additional refugee children who previously had no formal schooling opportunities.

In a momentous achievement for the K'Cho refugee community, CEAM celebrated the opening of its third learning center in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The new facility, which can accommodate 200 students, represents a significant expansion of educational opportunities for refugee children who have been denied access to formal education.

Breaking Down Barriers to Education

The new center addresses a critical gap in refugee education. With Malaysian law restricting refugee children from attending public schools, community-based learning centers like this one serve as lifelines for thousands of young minds eager to learn and grow.

Education is not just about books and exams; it's about giving our children hope, dignity, and a chance at a better future. Today, we're not just opening a building – we're opening doors to countless possibilities.

David Lian, CEAM Executive Director

The center features six classrooms, a computer lab, a library with over 1,000 books in multiple languages, and a recreational area. The curriculum covers primary education subjects including Mathematics, Science, English, Malay, and crucially, K'Cho language classes to preserve cultural heritage.

Community Support Makes It Possible

This achievement was made possible through the generous support of local and international donors, volunteers who contributed over 5,000 hours of labor, and the unwavering determination of the K'Cho community itself.

  • 200 children enrolled for the first semester
  • 12 qualified teachers recruited from the refugee community
  • Full primary curriculum from Grade 1 to Grade 6
  • Free meals program serving 600 meals daily
  • Transportation assistance for students from distant areas
Students in their new classroom
Eager students attend their first day of classes at the new CEAM Learning Center

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from UNHCR, partner NGOs, and community leaders. Traditional K'Cho performances by the children reminded everyone present of the rich cultural heritage these young students carry with them.

Looking Ahead

While this new center marks a significant milestone, CEAM recognizes that much work remains. An estimated 2,000 K'Cho refugee children in Malaysia still lack access to any form of education. The organization has ambitious plans to establish two more centers by 2025, contingent on continued community support and funding.

Every child deserves the right to education. We won't stop until every K'Cho child in Malaysia has a place to learn, grow, and dream.

Mary Sung, Education Coordinator

For those inspired to support this vital mission, CEAM welcomes volunteers, donations of educational materials, and financial contributions. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps build a brighter future for these resilient young learners.

About the Author

Sarah Thompson

Sarah has been advocating for refugee education rights for over 5 years and leads CEAM's communications strategy.

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