Support Rohingya Refugee Children in Malaysia with Mariam Parvaiz

From Morocco to Malaysia: A Promise to Keep Serving

After participating in the Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program with Islamic Relief Canada in Morocco last year, I knew it wouldn’t be my last time serving in this way. That experience didn’t just impact me in the moment, it changed how I see community, faith, and my own responsibility to give back. The resilience and warmth of the people we met stayed with me long after I returned home and inspired me to stay connected to meaningful, service-based work. Because of that experience, I’ve committed to continuing this journey, and this year I’ll be traveling to Malaysia through the Inspire Program to once again support vulnerable communities through hands-on service, connection, and humanitarian outreach. During the field study, I will be working directly with staff and children at RISE, engaging with Rohingya and Malay refugee communities, listening to their stories, and supporting educational initiatives that provide stability, opportunity, and hope. The program focuses on understanding the real challenges refugee families face and the transformative power of education in helping children build brighter futures. This isn’t just another trip, it’s a continuation of a promise I made to myself to remain involved in impactful humanitarian work. I’m fundraising to help make this possible, and every donation directly supports essential programs, educational resources, and community support on the ground. Your contribution helps create access to education, dignity, and hope for children who deserve every chance to succeed.

Through the Inspire Program with Islamic Relief Canada, the goal isn’t just to volunteer abroad; it’s to cultivate changemakers, and that is exactly what they’ve done for me. What began as one trip turned into a lasting commitment to service, faith, and advocacy. Since then, I’ve continued volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada because I’ve seen the depth of their mission: they prioritize dignity over charity, partnership over pity, and long-term empowerment over temporary solutions. Inspire is so much more than just a trip, it’s leadership development, it’s spiritual growth, it’s learning to serve with humility, and it’s carrying those lessons back home to create impact in our own communities. This next chapter in Malaysia feels like a continuation of that transformation. I’m going not only to support meaningful work on the ground, but because I genuinely believe in the vision of building a generation committed to compassion, justice, and real change.

Support Rohingya Refugee Children in Malaysia

Islamic Relief Canada is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities through a range of impactful initiatives. These include organizing educational workshops for children and youth, offering psychosocial support programs, rehabilitating schools and homes, and distributing food and essential supplies. Your generous contributions play a vital role in empowering these communities and fostering their long-term development. Together, we can bring hope and relief to those who need it most. Join us in making a meaningful difference.

Who Are We?

The Inspire volunteer abroad program is a unique opportunity that provides hands-on education to volunteers on the field and at home. Over the past 7 years, we have taken 40 cohorts to 9 different countries to learn from our teams and right-holders on the ground. This program focuses on having volunteers raise donations and awareness, and serving their communities locally and globally.
The volunteers will be engaging directly with Rohingya refugee children in Malaysia to learn about their situation, and to raise awareness.
Support our volunteers and take part in supporting this noble cause!

What is this for?

What is this for?
This fundraising effort supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in Malaysia, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.
Your donation helps our rightsholders in various way; $1080 is used to sponsor an orphan for a year, whilst the rest of the money is used towards deliverables in the country. Additional money may be used in other high-need areas in other countries.

What will I be doing?

Over the duration of the field study, I will work with staff and children at RISE. Volunteers will learn and engage with the Rohingya and Malay communities to learn about their stories. The program will focus on giving an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by the refugee communities and the importance of giving them an education and hope to succeed.

Inspire Program

Islamic Relief Canada’s Volunteer Abroad Programs are a unique way to contribute to some of IR Canada’s international projects. Prior to volunteering abroad, selected volunteers to raise funds that go directly to the project they will be assisting with.
While on the field study, volunteers will be part of a collaborative program where they will take part in several activities, including peer-to-peer learning opportunities, food distributions, beneficiary home visits, and building refurbishment.
This experience allows volunteers to see an existing IR Canada project, contribute to the project through their fundraising efforts, and positively interact with beneficiaries and project staff.