The Chinese New Year festivity is dwindling so we can visit GIFT Foundation in Klang, Malaysia. Shane and I want to introduce a different culture to the Rohingya and Champa refugee children. We also want to bring Chinese New Year celebration closer to the local Muslim children. They know about this festivity but often never participate in one especially when living in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood. So today, we are celebrating GIFT Foundation Chinese new year.
It is nice to come back to GIFT Foundation after a few days absent and realized the children are excited to see Shane. They jostled each other to be the first to “salam” him. Shane’s hugs bring smiles to their faces.
These children at GIFT Foundation rarely have an adult male role models.
Therefore they appreciate Shane come back to see them frequently. We can see the hunger in their eyes for attention. Because of their positive response, we want to let them experience what Chinese new year is about.
Dr. Firdaus interprets for us the meaning of giving ang pow (red envelope with money) to children during Chinese new year. She shows videos of lion dance and Chinese new year decoration. I think the children stop listening at ang pow and money!
GIFT Foundation is chaotic because the youngest son of Dr. Fridaus is ADHD and he is so excited. He was taught in a private tuition about Chinese new year and showing off his singing. The older children restlessly queue up to receive ang pow from Shane. We hear whispers of their plans to buy ice creams and candies.
Here are some photos of GIFT Foundation Rohingya and Malay children getting their ang pow from Shane. It is our Chinese new year gift to them. We have a headache listening to them sing!
I will write an update soon of the activities we have done here at GIFT Foundation. Meanwhile we have been invited to a wedding by one of the Champa’s families.