Empowering Communities Through Community Classrooms at Dignity for Children Foundation

15 June 2023

Real community transformation stems from within the communities themselves. At Dignity for Children Foundation, we work closely with refugee and urban poor community members, providing teacher training and support to extend education opportunities to others.

Central to this endeavor is the Community Classroom initiative, a project launched in partnership with UNHCR Malaysia in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. The initiative focuses on empowering grassroots educators from within the communities they serve, creating safe learning spaces within the homes of facilitators.

A community classroom full with students learning happily with lots of books and supplies.

These facilitators, most of whom are refugees, open their doors and hearts to children yearning for knowledge. They are equipped with the necessary materials and resources provided by Dignity to deliver effective education. Weekly touch-base and group support sessions are provided.

Amina, a refugee, found her purpose in teaching through the Community Classroom project. Before joining, she was teaching only a handful of students. However, with Dignity's support, her reach expanded, and she began to impact more lives.

"Before the Community Classroom project, I was just teaching 10 students in my home. After I joined, I have more students and got to know my community better.

Many think girls after puberty can't go out to study but today many of them have changed their perspectives and sends their girls to study!"

In many societies, traditional gender roles dictate that girls should take on domestic responsibilities and prepare for marriage after puberty, rather than pursuing education. Amina's influence challenged long-held beliefs in her community, one classroom at a time.

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About Dignity for Children

Dignity for Children provides quality education to underprivileged children, transforming their lives and giving them a better future.

Join us in making a difference by sponsoring a child and empowering communities, ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

About Dignity

Our work began in 1998 in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur with only 20 students then. Dignity is now a learning centre with more than 2,300 children ranging from 2-19 years old.