I came across Kiran Kreer through his social media, and his photographic stories opened my eyes to the Rohingya refugee families living in Malaysia. Like many others, Kiran underwent a life-changing experience that led him out of his comfort zone at the age of 36. After 12 years of exploration and travelling, he chose to settle in Langkawi, back to a beautiful tranquil island in Malaysia. After a few months living there, he discovered the invisible reality of the Rohingya refugees.
Since the decade long crisis in Myanmar, fleeing from violence by the military, Langkawi has indeed become a refuge for hundreds of Rohingya families in recent years, people deprived of fundamental rights, freedom and with no access to education. Many boats carrying refugees have landed on its shores, significantly increasing the number of refugees in Malaysia. According to UNHCR data, as of October 2022, the island is home to about 250 Rohingya families. Nationally, the total number of refugees has reached 190,370 people, of whom more than 109,000 are Rohingya. However, Malaysia has not signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prevents Rohingya children from accessing education and other fundamental rights.
It was also a surprise for Kiran to discover the presence of refugees in Langkawi. His desire to tell their stories led him to meet Arfat Khan, a young educated Rohingyan who, shortly during the pandemic, started a small informal learning centre. The learning centre was very small for 30 students, lacked adequate teaching equipment, no proper bathrooms and educational systems. In the weeks following their meeting, Kiran told me how he couldn’t stop thinking about these children every time he looked at the photos he had taken. He felt compelled to do more for them, especially for their education, leading him to meet with Arfat Khan again.
The small learning centre managed by Arfat Khan housed children of all ages, most of whom could not speak, read, or write well in Malay or English properly. The conditions were precarious: classrooms were too small, dirty, and dilapidated, with two teachers overwhelmed by the workload and unable to provide quality education. Thus, after nearly one year of supporting the children of Rohingya, The TreeHouse Society learning centre was founded by Kiran via his social enterprise.
The foundation of the TreeHouse Society
This grassroots educational project relies mainly on public contributions and donations, essential elements to guarantee these young students access to the education they deserve. Thanks to the generosity of the local community of Langkawi, a new building was recently identified, a larger and more welcoming space perfectly suited to host the lessons, classes, art area and numerous activities that The TreeHouse Society organises each week. With the help of dedicated volunteers and contributions, the space was equipped with tables, chairs, and school materials, books, allowing the children to immerse themselves in a stimulating and opportunity-rich educational enviroment.
The lessons offered include English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Art, but the educational journey does not stop at academic subjects alone. Creative activities and workshops are also organised to stimulate the children’s expressiveness, while excursions and environmental projects teach them the importance of caring for their surroundings. The children are learning Malay and English, with the younger ones, aged 5 to 7, focusing on the alphabets, colouring and writing skills. While the older ones, aged 8 to 12, are already learning English, Board Games and Social Studies. However, The TreeHouse Society is not just a place for learning but a true refuge where children can be themselves, free from the prejudices and discrimination they too often face in their daily lives.
The commitment of The TreeHouse Society extends beyond the classroom. Teachers and volunteers play an essential role, not only in teaching but also in logistics, picking up the children from various parts of the island or sending them back home, and providing support to families in need with food or financial aid. These daily acts create a network of help and support that allows entire families to face difficulties with greater serenity. However, the project continues to face ongoing challenges, especially of an economic nature. The resources primarily depend on public donations and sponsors, which, while covering essential expenses such as rental, electricity, teachers fee, school supplies and kitchen provisions, are not always sufficient to ensure the stability needed to plan for the future with confidence.
Despite these difficulties, what drives the volunteers of The TreeHouse Society is the joy and curiosity they see every day in the eyes of the children. The enthusiasm with which the young ones participate in lessons and activities shows that through education, it is possible to give them not only a new chance but also hope for a better future. The TreeHouse Society, therefore, represents much more than just a school: it is a place of rebirth, where education intertwines with solidarity and where, step by step, the foundations of an inclusive and resilient community are built. This project, though born on a small scale, demonstrates that even in difficult contexts, it is possible to make a difference, restoring dignity and hope to those children who are often forgotten.
