Thanks to H&M's funding, Dignity is able to fund key operational expenses this year (2021) - which was especially critical as Malaysia faced lockdowns and business/ operations were hugely interrupted and affected.

While the Transformational Enterprises have been operating when there is no lockdown, classes have remained largely online with the exception of a cohort of 100+ Secondary students who participated in the Live-In-Program (boarding at Dignity for 2 months when regulations permitted). Dignity strove to provide face-to-face skills training where possible, and responded to changes by experimenting with online-based skills classes and smaller cohorts.

Nevertheless, we continue to work as best as we can, whether from home or at Dignity, and look forward to reopening and training physically soon.

Some Highlights (as of June 2021):

• Successfully completed two major contracts with UNHCR Korea and UNIQLO Malaysia and provided income to our network of 17 part-time refugee tailors
  
• Commenced training for 2 Orang Asli (indigenous) students under Dignity's Orang Asli Program
• Ran short skills training classes for 13 students
• Hired 1 full time refugee tailor to expand operations, increased full-time team to 3 pax from initial 2 pax
• Recruited a Design and Operations Manager - coming in after MCO 3.0 lockdown
• Purchased an industrial Yamata Embroidery Machine (training after MCO 3.0 lifts)
• Purchased other equipment such as 1 new Konwa cutting machine and 1 thermal printer to support online delivery fulfillments