Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Jasmeen Lorna Laurence. I began my journey with JRS in 2019 at JRS Thailand in Bangkok, working with the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) unit. By late 2023, I returned to Malaysia to help establish JRS Kuala Lumpur, with ongoing support from our regional office, the Thailand team, and our partner, Young Lives Malaysia. I’m deeply grateful to the JRS Malaysia team for their dedication and passion in making our mission a reality.

What brought you to serve refugees?

Ten years ago, while studying Psychology, I started volunteering with Myanmar refugee children, in Malaysia. This eye-opening experience exposed me to the harsh realities of injustice and inequality, where basic rights are often denied. Through this experience, I was able to form meaningful connections with the community, and inspired me to take action. I learned that we can create impactful spaces where people feel valued and accepted. I’m grateful to the community for welcoming me with such warmth and openness.

Can you tell us more about the local context where you work?

Malaysia hosts over 190,000 refugees. However, as Malaysia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, there is an absence of a formal legal framework to provide protection and safeguard the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. This lack of protection forces refugees to live in a constant state of fear and uncertainty, frequently exposing them to arrest, detention, denial of essential services, and discrimination. In response to these challenges, various service providers and individuals—both local and within the refugee communities—are dedicated to bridging these gaps and offering essential support. Despite the tough situations they endure, refugees are deeply involved in helping each other and improving their community. They work hard to tackle the challenges they face and support one another. Their dedication to helping each other and building up their community reflects their remarkable resilience and solidarity.

The majority of refugees in Malaysia come from Myanmar, including the Rohingya and other ethnic groups such as Arakan, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Mon, and Shan. In addition, there are refugees from other countries including Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine, Sri Lanka, and others.

How is JRS responding to the needs of refugees in Malaysia? 

Since our establishment less than a year ago, JRS Malaysia has made education a cornerstone of our mission to empower individuals. We offer certified English language courses in partnership with Jesuit Worldwide Learning, providing essential skills that open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Our programmes also include digital skills training and internships with JRS Singapore. These internships give students valuable exposure to various professional environments, helping them gain hands-on experience and develop their career paths.

We also offer tailored training for teachers at refugee-led learning centres to enhance their skills. By collaborating closely with these centres, we address their unique needs and strengths, focusing on effective teaching strategies, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning. This customised approach helps educators better support their students and improve educational outcomes.

Additionally, our programmes integrate safeguarding practices to create a supportive and inclusive environment that addresses both academic and emotional needs. Our teachers from the community bring valuable personal experiences and professional expertise to our programmes.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your work?

One significant challenge is the lack of a sustainable approach to supporting the refugee community. This situation emphasises the need for collaboration with other organisations and stakeholders. I’ve been inspired by the dedication and hard work of refugees who manage their own learning centres and organisations. Our diverse gifts and strengths must come together to create meaningful change.

Another challenge is the lack of legal recognition for refugees in Malaysia. This creates a constant risk of arrest, detention, and deportation, which puts the community in a dangerous and vulnerable situation.

Additionally, refugees face significant discrimination. We need to focus on fostering both physical and psychological safety for refugees and creating an environment where they feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. It’s a long and intentional process, but it’s crucial for building inclusive communities.

What does accompaniment mean to you?

To me, accompaniment means journeying alongside people, guided by their voices and experiences. It’s essential not to take accompaniment for granted or impose it, as it can look and mean different things for each individual. Understanding and respecting the unique needs and aspirations of those we serve is crucial. We must also be mindful that our actions and words can either empower or disempower others, so being aware of this impact is important.

Over the past five years at JRS, I have been fortunate to be accompanied by many wonderful individuals. Their support has been invaluable, and it has deepened my understanding of what true accompaniment means.

How do you think individuals or organisations can contribute to the wellbeing of refugees or to improving the situation of refugees in Malaysia?

The truth is, we can’t change the world or save someone, but we can make a difference in our own way by respecting people’s dignity. Even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. Being intentional by truly engaging with people and seeing them beyond their pain. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and with the right opportunities, they can make a meaningful impact on society. We should also be mindful of our own privileges and use them to support others, creating more opportunities and making a positive difference. Remember, no one chooses to flee their home; they are forced to do so. Recognising their courage and resilience helps us offer the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

What are your hopes for the future of the communities we serve?

I hope for a future where everyone can live in safety, both physically and psychologically, and have the opportunity to thrive. I hope they can live securely, freely, and pursue lives that they find meaningful and fulfilling.