HEART OF GOLD
Former Miss Malaysia Universe and social activist Deborah Henry shares her thoughts as a World Vision child rights advocate, with Petrina Anthony
She is a constant voice for the plight of refugees, especially children, with Deborah Henry being a World Vision Malaysia child rights advocate since 2007. The former beauty queen recently launched a personal fundraiser to support Syrian refugees in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon in conjunction with World Refugee Day on June 20. “These children and families have lost their homes, and life as they
Where did you find the inspiration to become a child rights advocate?
From my belief for the rights of children to be cared for, protected, healthy and educated. I have always felt deeply on this issue, in speaking out for the young and innocent whenever the opportunity arises.
What would you like people to understand about the Syrian refugee crisis?
I have visited the Syrian refugees in Lebanon in 2013 and witnessed first-hand the troubles of these vulnerable communities. Therefore, I would like to share my knowledge and insights from my trip. My longterm goal is to motivate a larger segment of Malaysians to step forth as agents of change for the marginalised and voiceless.
Can you share a bit on the background of The Fugee School?
The Fugee School was co-founded in 2009 by my friend Shikeen and I. It is a non-profit
fund that seeks to work with children living in difficult circumstances by supporting educational and self-development initiatives.
Please share some of your experiences after becoming an activist.
I have visited urban poor communities in India to understand the numerous challenges and issues faced in relation to children’s nutrition and health. Moreover I have been to a drop-in centre for street and working children supporting their families in Myanmar, to study their various non-formal education classes, hoping it will help them in their future. Besides that, I have also been exposed to the social issues of street girls in Brazil during my capacity as Miss Malaysia Universe.
Are there any stories you have encountered that have personally touched you?
Some of my first students were so shut off and disconnected with the world but today with knew it is changed. Once leading lives like us with jobs, businesses and families to return to, now it is taken away and have become a distant memory,” she said. According to United Nations, there are currently 300,000 refugees taking house at these tented communities. As part of her efforts, Henry who is also the founder of The Fugee School, returned to Lebanon in July to see their living conditions, hear their stories and find out about their needs.
the right guidance, access to education and opportunities, they have blossomed into amazing young adults strong enough to carve their own place in the world.
How has it been working together with World Vision?
It is such a natural and evolving relationship. Having reached over 1.1 million Syrian refugees including over 630,000 children up till now, World Vision has managed to provide food, supplies and improved environments for them to grow safely and healthily.
How can the public contribute to the fundraiser?
We decided to launch this fundraiser during Ramadan, before visiting the Syrian refugee communities in Lebanon. All donations can be made at bit.ly/ Wvm-deborah4syria. We are hoping to raise about RM50,000 by September 1.