Empowering Educators: Transforming Refugee Education Through Teacher Development

"Teaching refugee children is not just about delivering a curriculum; it's about restoring hope, dignity, and the possibility of a brighter future."

We are excited to announce the "Teacher Professional Development Training for the United Arakan Institute", a transformative project led by Taylor's University School of Education in collaboration with Development and Human Relief Society (INSAN), the United Arakan Institute Malaysia (UAIM) and other partners. This initiative empowers educators to address the educational, emotional, and cultural needs of refugee children.

The importance of training teachers for refugee education cannot be overstated. Refugee children often face disrupted schooling, language barriers, and emotional trauma. Educators play a vital role in providing stability and support to help these students thrive. This training equips teachers with tools to create inclusive classrooms, fostering belonging and enhancing learning outcomes.

Led by a dedicated team of trainers and researchers, with Dr. Vinothini Vasodavan as the lead trainer. The team includes esteemed colleagues: Dr. Jasmine Jain, Dr. Lee Yee Ling, Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde, Ms. Hema Letchamanan, Ms. Mindy Tay Pei Lin, Dr. Viji Ramamuruthy, Dr. P. Thivilojana Perinpasingam, and Dr. Neerushah Subarimaniam. Together, they bring extensive expertise, commitment, and compassion, ensuring a powerful and impactful learning experience for all participants, the 30-hour programme spans five sessions. It covers critical topics such as:

• Trauma-informed teaching practices

• Multilingual classroom management

• Culturally responsive pedagogy

• Curriculum adaptation

• Innovative assessment methods

  
  

The project also builds peer support networks to foster collaboration and growth. By equipping teachers with trauma-sensitive strategies and a deeper understanding of their students' needs, we aim to create supportive environments where refugee children feel valued and capable of success.

Something to ponder: How can we, as educators and community members, continue to support and advocate for refugee children’s right to quality education?

We look forward to sharing the positive outcomes of this project as we work together to drive educational equity and enhance support for refugee students. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these young learners.

Honouring Heritage: Celebration of Classical Language Status for Five New Languages at the Indian High Commission in Malaysia

In a landmark decision, the Government of India recently granted 'classical language' status to five additional languages; Bengali, Assamese, Pali, Prakrit, and Marathi, bringing the total number of recognized classical languages to 11. To commemorate this historic achievement, the Indian High Commission in Malaysia hosted a celebratory event on 9th November 2024, at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre. At the event, Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Taylor’s University, was invited to deliver a distinguished address on the profound cultural and historical significance of the Bengali language.

The event was graced and officiated by His Excellency Mr. B.N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, who brought together over 200 participants, including eminent speakers for each of the five languages, distinguished officials from the Indian High Commission, dignitaries from various cultural associations, members of the non-resident Indian (NRI) community, cultural artistes, and scholars.

In her speech, Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta celebrated Bengali's newly conferred classical language status, highlighting its role as a keeper of memory and identity for millions across the diaspora. She explored how Bengali bridges the past and present, preserving the cultural richness of its literature, music, and traditions while providing a sense of grounding for individuals far from home. She emphasized the power of language to transcend borders, unite communities, and preserve emotional depth and the human spirit in an increasingly digital world.

In this context, she noted, the recognition of Bengali as a classical language reaffirms its enduring relevance and its vital connection to both heritage and future generations. She further expressed her personal pride in the recognition of Bengali and Assamese—two of her mother tongues—honoring their cultural and linguistic significance. For Indians and people of Indian origin, the occasion marked a moment of deep pride and reflection, acknowledging the pivotal role these languages have played in shaping the nation’s diverse cultural landscape.

As the event concluded with poetry recitations, songs, and shared reflections, the atmosphere was filled with a collective resolve to cherish and preserve these languages in a rapidly evolving world. This historic milestone served as a reminder that the essence of language lies not just in its words, but in the lives it touches, the stories it tells, and the unity it fosters across time and borders. In honoring these languages, we honor our shared humanity, ensuring that their rich legacies continue to inspire and connect generations to come.

Shaping Sustainability: Dr. Jeetesh Kumar’s Contribution to COP29 Panel on Tourism and Climate Action

On 12th November 2024, Dr. Jeetesh Kumar, Head of Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University and Hub Leader of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, represented the university at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) held at Baku Stadium, Azerbaijan. Participating virtually from Malaysia's Pavilion, themed "Shift for Sustainability: Climate Action Now – Future-Proofing Our Environment," Dr. Jeetesh emphasized the vital role of community involvement and stakeholder collaboration in advancing sustainable tourism and climate governance.

He highlighted how engaging local communities, governments, businesses, and tourists fosters resilience and sustainability. Stressing that sustainable tourism extends beyond eco-friendly practices, Dr. Jeetesh advocated for empowering communities, enhancing the quality of life, and preserving cultural heritage. He showcased community-based tourism initiatives, such as homestay programs, which offer authentic traveler experiences, strengthen local economies, and promote environmental stewardship.

Dr. Jeetesh also underscored the significance of policy support, cross-sector collaboration, and green innovations, ranging from energy-efficient practices to sustainable infrastructure, in aligning tourism with climate goals. These strategies, he argued, not only attract eco-conscious travelers but also reduce tourism’s ecological footprint.

Joining him on the panel were Ms. Rahimah Farjan Ali, Head of Group Sustainability for Malaysia Aviation Group, and Mr. Frank Radstake, Director of the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, with moderation by Mr. Nigel Wong, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). Together, they explored how tourism could be transformed into a force for positive environmental and social change.

Dr. Jeetesh’s insights aligned with COP29’s mission to accelerate global climate action, highlighting sustainable tourism as a critical tool for building resilient communities and supporting the 1.5°C global warming limit. His emphasis on community empowerment and innovation reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in creating a sustainable future.