Mataram, University of Mataram – A total of 54 Rohingya children, currently enrolled at the Baitul Rohmah Rohingya Learning Center in the Malaysia–Thailand border region, participated in an international community service and empowerment program initiated by the University of Mataram, Indonesia, from June 11 to 15, 2025. The program was coordinated by the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM Unram) and represents a concrete expression of the university’s commitment to inclusivity and global education.

With the theme “Dream Beyond Borders”, this activity aims to raise awareness of identity and foster the spirit of dreaming for stateless children, many of whom are the result of marriages between Indonesian mothers and ethnic Rohingya fathers.

Through the visual arts approach, especially painting, the children are invited to express their dreams about the future and the country they hope to live in with hope and without discrimination. The program was made possible through close collaboration between Unram and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Unram’s International Relations lecturer, Mega Nisfa Makhroja, said that this was the second year of a similar program in the region.

“This program is not only educational, but also a means to foster children’s hope and courage in imagining a better world. We want them to dare to dream and believe in their future,” said Mega.

Also present to support the event were Dr. Nur Suzylah Sohaimi and Assoc. Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Naem Ajis from UUM. Both delivered motivational material that strengthened the spirit of the participants.

Cik Zuklifli, representative of Baitul Rohmah Foundation and President of Kedah Football Association, expressed his deep appreciation to the Unram team. He hopes this kind of activity can continue and reach more marginalized children in the future.

“We really appreciate this contribution. This program brings hope to children who are often forgotten,” he said.

This program confirms Unram’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of the right to education, reducing inequality, and cross-country cooperation.

In closing, the children participating in the program conveyed a touching message with sincerity, “We, the students of Baitul Rohmah Rohingya Learning Center, would like to thank the University of Mataram and Universiti Utara Malaysia for this program. Thank you!”