Actxplorer was privileged to be part of a multi-party collaboration with: – Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Muslim Society (MS) – Beyond the Fabric (BTF) – Cipayung Refugee Education Centre (CREC), and – Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre (CRLC) inMay 2019 at Bogor, Indonesia.
The overseas program Mekar Satria represents the blooming (Mekar) of knights (Satria), signifying NTU MS’ hope in providing support to refugees who have struggled and persevered through difficult circumstances back home as well as during the process of starting a new life in Indonesia.
Here, we thought it will be beautiful to share what some of the Satrians have learnt and experienced through the program.
What was your initial impression of refugees? What is your impression of refugees now, after interacting with them for 2 weeks?
I never really knew what the term refugee meant. Initial thoughts would be people who have run away from their homeland, and are living in bad conditions. From my interactions, they are lovely people who, although are in transition to another country hopefully, exhibit the most genuine feelings in their interactions with us. They have left a lasting impression and also imparted lessons to the team that I am grateful for. (Rafiq, Head of Expedition, during the closing ceremony at CREC) My initial impression was that they are fragile people that needed guidance and help as they are in a difficult and trying time in a foreign land, with limited resources available to them. After meeting them, I felt connected to them on a human level; they’re basically just like you and I. The only difference lies in the lack of opportunities for them despite their great potential in artistic creativity, their passion for learning a language, et cetera… (Aida, Vice Head of Expedition, at the embroidery workshop by BTF)
What was the highlight of the trip for you? Why?
Meeting *a lady at BTF*. I didn’t expect BTF to be such an important part of the trip for me, but it was and still is. I still remember her holding my hands after I thanked her for teaching me during the embroidery workshop and she started saying all these things about me that I couldn’t believe somebody who only met me for less than 2 hours would have been able to observe. It touched me that she wanted me to know these things because maybe she could sense I didn’t believe in myself that much. It made me realise that I was still a kid, still trying to find my footing and while this service trip was for me to give back in service to a community, I felt that they’ve given me more than what we could ever give. She also said that I should keep practising and maybe one day I’ll be able to make something for my children, because that’s how special and important this skill and craft was to her. It was a highlight because when I was hugging her farewell on the last time I would ever see her, I realised in my heart that my work wasn’t done. I didn’t feel like my service to this community was complete just because my trip was. I felt a sense of duty to continue where we left off and for the first time, I wanted to go back — specifically to this place, to this community, to this issue that I want to play a bigger, more significant role in solving… (Munirah, Head of Welfare, with children at CREC during a class on aviation) On our last service day at CREC, we were doing some final touches to complete the refurbishment. Ali thanked and complimented me for a WELCOME sign that I designed that was freshly pasted on the wall. I could sense a great amount of gratitude even for a simple sign like this. I was really overwhelmed with emotions at that moment in time… (‘Aisyah, Head of Finance, with founder of BTF Kalsoom Jaffari)
What’s one thing you’ve learnt from the trip?
One among many things I’ve learnt is that some of the happiest people in this world have the fewest things… (Khadiijah, Welfare Subcommittee, with son of co-founder of CREC). I learnt to be more accepting, adaptive and thankful. I am more inspired now, compared to before this trip, to lend my hand to communities that would appreciate it… (Nazihah, Finance Subcommittee, at CRLC’s Cultural Day)
Would you recommend this trip (to your juniors)?
Yes, I would recommend. P.S. Actxplorer liaison officer is the best @danielle (Fyras, Program Subcommittee, teaching at CRLC’s Music and Lyric-writing Class) (Aww, thank you for your kind note!) Yes, it is an eye-opening experience and it is definitely different from all other projects as we worked directly with the refugee community. This opportunity serves to rectify the ignorance that we may have regarding this global issue... (Member who prefers not to be named)
Official Partners (click to find out more about their work!) Beyond The Fabric Website | Instagram Cipayung Refugee Education Centre Facebook | Instagram Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre Website | Facebook
Click here to see our previous article on the story as narrated by Ali, co-founder of CREC. Click here for Mekar Satria’s official Instagram page, documenting their journey. Click here to listen to CRLC’s podcast Episode 11, featuring interviews with Danielle from Actxplorer and Aida & Ellysha from NTUMS.
Photo credits to NTU MS Publicity. Photos used with permission from BTF, CREC and CRLC.
