By Anne Das
For many children, a trip to Lost World of Tambun is a weekend treat. For 55 refugee children from Tronoh, it was a day to laugh and enjoy being children beyond the limits of their everyday lives.
The Rotary Club of Ipoh, in collaboration with Lighthouse Hope Society Ipoh and with the support of Sunway Lost World of Tambun, organised “A Day of Joy, Hope & Adventure” on 16 May 2026 for children from a refugee learning centre in Perak.
The children, aged six to 15, are from the Chin refugee community from Myanmar, a minority ethnic group that fled persecution and war. The learning centre is registered with UNHCR and has been supported by Lighthouse Hope Society since 2023.
It currently provides education to children who have limited access to formal schooling due to their refugee status in Malaysia.
“Malaysia hosts more than 200,000 refugees, yet refugee families still live with limited legal protection and restricted access to state services, including education.
For the children, that uncertainty makes learning opportunities and safe community support even more important,” said a representative of Lighthouse Hope Society Ipoh.
The outing brought 75 participants, including the children and their minders to Tambun. Sunway Lost World sponsored the theme park visit, while the Rotary Club of Ipoh sponsored meals and transportation for the group.
President Edwin Seibel of the Rotary Club of Ipoh said service initiatives must also create positive experiences for communities.
“Rotary’s commitment to service extends beyond addressing immediate needs. It also includes initiatives that uplift spirits and create positive, lasting impact in communities,” he said.
The Rotary Club of Ipoh also acknowledged Sunway Lost World of Tambun for its hospitality and sponsorship, Lighthouse Hope Society for its work with refugee communities, and the Rotarians and volunteers who helped make the outing possible.
Founded in 1930, the Rotary Club of Ipoh continues to serve through initiatives rooted in compassion and action.
Refugee children carry strength beyond their years. With safe learning spaces and communities that believe in their future, initiatives like this become part of a wider hope.
