Dignity celebrates 25 years

Dignity for Children Foundation (Dignity), a Sentul-based NGO, is commemorating its remarkable 25-year journey of empowering refugees and marginalized children through transformation, diversity, and hope. The organization has announced a grand fund-raising dinner to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Dignity for Children Foundation has been a beacon of hope for the underprivileged urban poor since its inception in 1998. Initially starting with an informal tuition program catering to only 20 urban poor children, Dignity has now evolved into a one-stop holistic community learning center, offering education from preschool to IGCSE ‘O’ level and vocational skills training. Today, they proudly serve more than 2,300 children from over 25 different nationalities, aged between 2 and 19 years.

The foundation’s core mission revolves around providing comprehensive support to these marginalized children. They are determined to shape a brighter future for them, breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with essential skills and knowledge to succeed in life.

To achieve their ambitious goal of raising over RM2.5 million, Dignity is hosting a fund-raising dinner on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 6 pm at the HGH Convention Centre in Sentul. All funds raised from this dinner will be utilized to support 2,300 students in 2023 and an increased number of 2,500 students in 2024.

A night to celebrate

The dinner promises an evening filled with inspiration and entertainment. The event highlights include an opening performance by the Dignity Choir, a group of 100 talented students. Distinguished guests and performances will grace the occasion, including the urban pop-expressionist painter, Vinn Pang, and renowned soprano, Evelyn Toh. Moreover, attendees will be captivated by a keynote address from Steve Chao, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, investigative journalist, and TEDx speaker.

Interested donors have the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause by purchasing tables ranging from RM10,000 to RM100,000. Alternatively, they can choose to buy individual seats or make one-time donations in support of the event. All contributions made are tax-deductible, encouraging donors to come forward and make a difference in the lives of these deserving children.

Milestones and impact

Dignity for Children Foundation has achieved several significant milestones throughout its 25-year journey. Notably, in 2004, they initiated education programs specifically for Rohingya children, addressing the needs of this vulnerable refugee community. In 2006, they extended their reach to rural communities in Sabah and Sarawak, establishing preschools and providing training to community teachers.

In addition, the foundation established a crucial Mental Health Unit, now known as Wellness X Dignity, to address the mental well-being of urban poor children. Their efforts and impact even attracted the visit of esteemed dignitaries, including Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan in 2012 and the 44th President of the United States, President Barack Obama, in 2015. One of their proudest moments was when they sent their first Rohingya student to a prestigious university in Malaysia, opening doors to a brighter future for the individual and the community.

Dignity for Children Foundation’s relentless commitment to its cause has earned it prestigious awards and recognitions. In 2018, The Big Heart Foundation honored them with The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support, recognizing their dedication to refugee welfare. Furthermore, in 2019, they received the United Nations Malaysia Award for contributions to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the “Leaving No One Behind” category.

As the organization looks back with pride on its transformative journey, it also looks forward to the future with hope and determination. The 25th-anniversary dinner promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the impact created and the lives transformed. To learn more about the event or register for the dinner, visit the official website or register directly at Dignity 25th-anniversary