For decades, Malaysians have looked to 2020 as a milestone year of progress and prosperity. Who could have imagined 2020 would look the way it did? As our country was left reeling from the economic shutdown due to COVID-19, it was really the urban poor, migrants, and refugees among us who were hit the hardest. Many lost their livelihoods overnight.
I will never forget how the Dignity team rallied together to meet the needs of the community. Within the first week of the MCO, our preschool and several staff homes were transformed into ad-hoc food distribution centres, stocked by generous donors. We reached 1,800 children and our teachers (being our front-liners) made sure no child was left behind.
Throughout 2020, our motto was “be adaptable and flexible”. Despite the limitations, we:
- Launched 10 Community Classrooms sponsored by UNHCR, reaching an additional 300 primary-aged children.
- Formed a Content Creation Team that produced digital and animated education materials for children under-12.
- Launched our A-Levels Boarding and Internship Pilot Program for 10 students.
This would not have been possible without each Dignity staff, trustee, donor (corporate and individual), supporter and volunteer who rose to the occasion during this difficult season. Most of all, I am profoundly grateful for the sustaining mercy and goodness of God. Because of Him, we look forward with hope.
