Published November 28, 2025
| Version v1
Report
Open
Striving for Education in Unreasonable Circumstances: A Needs Assessment Study of Alternative Learning Centres Providing Education to the Children of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors/Creators
Contributors
Project leader (2):
Researcher (5):
Description
“Striving for Education in Unreasonable Circumstances”: A Needs Assessment of Alternative Learning Centres Providing Education to Children of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Peninsular Malaysia” was commissioned by Fugee Org as part of its on-going involvement in the provision of inclusive and quality education for refugees.
The report is grounded in the reality that Malaysia has not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, viewing refugees as persons 'in transit'. This status excludes approximately 59,250 registered school-age refugee and asylum-seeking children (as of May 2025) from the national education system, leaving them dependent on informal, non-state Alternative Learning Centres (ALCs). Currently, only about 35% of these children are enrolled in an ALC.
The study, based on interviews with 31 ALCs and 12 key informants, highlights systemic challenges: chronic lack of financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of qualified teachers, and an absence of standardised curriculum across centers. ALCs and the families they serve also face ongoing vulnerability to harassment, arrest, and detention due to a lack of legal status.
The report concludes with six key recommendations aimed at all stakeholders (including the Malaysian government, UNHCR, and NGOs): continued advocacy for legal status and integration into the national education system, expediting the UNHCR registration process, establishing a Malaysian Refugee Education Council (MREC) or similar coordinating body, developing practical toolkits for ALC administration, and creating systematic pathways for teacher professional development.
The aim is to foster urgent, concrete, coordinated, collaborative, and inclusive strategies to improve inclusivity, quality, and sustainability of education for all refugee children in Malaysia
Files
Striving for Education in Unreasonable Circumstances - An ALC Needs Assessment report by Fugee Org.pdf
Files
(3.2 MB)
| Name | Size | Download all |
|---|---|---|
|
md5:9b8a85f40d493ce6df27e4502705156e
|
1.8 MB | Preview Download |
|
md5:26d495e4f80716f4ec072ed01183f7c5
|
1.4 MB | Preview Download |
Additional details
Additional titles
- Subtitle (English)
- A Needs Assessment Study of Alternative Learning Centres Providing Education to the Children of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Peninsular Malaysia
References
- Birtwell, J J (2019). "Understanding education and understanding yourself as a refugee learner seeking access to higher education in Malaysia: Insights from a pilot study". Cambridge Open- Review Educational Research e-Journal. 6. 180-194
- CEDAW Committee (2024). Concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Malaysia. 6 June. CEDAW/C/MYS/CO/6. https://docs.un.org/en/CEDAW/C/MYS/CO/6
- Cerna, L (2019). "Refugee education: Integration models and practices in OECD countries". OECD Education Working Papers, No. 203, OECD Publishing. 1-73. https://doi.org/10.1787/a3251a00-en
- Committee on the Rights of the Child (2007). Concluding observations: Malaysia. 25 June. CRC/C/MYS/CO/1. https://docs.un.org/en/CRC/C/MYS/CO/1
- Crisp, J, Obi, N and Umlas, L (2012). "But when will our turn come? A review of the implementation of UNHCR's urban refugee policy in Malaysia". UNHCR. Kuala Lumpur. https://www.unhcr.org/my/media/when-will-our-turn-come-review-implementation-unhcrs- urban-refugee-policy-malaysia-jeff-crisp
- Devaraj, P and Lochhead, J (2021). "The provision of strengthening child protection services in community learning centres, community-based organisations and outreach centre in Malaysia". [Unpublished manuscript]
- Dignity (2022). Annual report. https://asset.xtopia.io/clients/asset_C7C8D7B6-31EA -4E96-8FE1 C5377440270D/uploads/2023_annual_report_dignity_syiygiwlv.pdf
- El Shaddai (2024). Annual report. https://ecb.org.my/2024-annual-report/
- Fugee Org (2023). Annual report. https://www.fugee.org/pages/reports
- Human Rights Watch (2022). "Myanmar: No justice, no freedom for Rohingya 5 years on". https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/08/24/myanmar-no-justice-no-freedom-rohingya-5-years
- IOM Malaysia (various years). IOM Malaysia quarterly update. See under Resources and Tools in https://www.iom.int/countries/malaysia
- IOM Malaysia (2025). Quarterly newsletter. Jan to Mar. https://www.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl2616/files/documents/2025-04/q1-2025_iom-newsletter.pdf
- Joanna Rahman (2011). "Access to education for children under the protection of UNHCR: Case study in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia". University of Neuchâtel. Neuchâtel
- Joseph, J (2023). "The education challenges facing refugee youth in Malaysia". Monash University. 18 Oct. https://lens.monash.edu/@business-economy/2023/10/18/1386041/the-education- challenges-facing-refugee-youth-in-malaysia
- Kelvin, D (2024). "Education in marginalized communities: Bridging the gap". https://werk.co.ke/education-in-marginalized-communities-bridging-the-gap/
- Lama Al Rihani Dit Tallaj (2024). "Challenges in education for refugees". International Journal of Business and Management Invention.13(9). 1-11. https://www.ijbmi.org/papers/Vol(13)9/13090111.pdf
- Letchamanan, H (2013). "Myanmar's Rohingya refugees in Malaysia: Education and the way forward". Journal of International and Comparative Education (JICE). 2(2). 86-97
- Lumayag, L A (2016). "A question of access: Education needs of undocumented children in Malaysia". Asian Studies Review. 40(2). 192-210
- Malay Mail (2024). "'No such thing as child-friendly detention': Civil group urges immediate action as minors continue to be locked up". 4 Sept. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/09/04/no-such-thing-as-child-friendly- detention-civil-group-urges-immediate-action-as-minors-continue-to-be-locked-up-in-baitul- mahabbah-centres/149191
- Malaysiakini (2016). "The plight of Rohingya and Malaysia's apathy". https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/363578
- MalaysiaNow (2021). "Born and raised in Klang but with no country to call home". 9 Oct. https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2021/10/09/born-and-raised-in-klang-but-with-no- country-to-call-home
- Masilamani L and Peterson J (2014). "The 'ASEAN way': The structural underpinnings of constructive engagement". Foreign Policy Journal. Oct
- Mendenhall, M and Henderson, C (2024). "Teachers in refugee and displacement settings: Malaysia case study". UNHCR
- Ministry of Education, Malaysia (2013). Malaysia education blueprint 2013-2025 Executive Summary. MoE. Kuala Lumpur
- New Straits Times (NST) (2016). "Job prospects for refugees". 18 Mar. http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/03/133453/job-prospects-refugees
- New Straits Times (NST) (2019). "70 per cent of refugee kids do not go to school". 4 Aug. https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2019/08/510066/70-cent-refugee-kids-do-not-go-school
- New Straits Times (NST) (2025). "Government refining details for UNHCR refugees to work legally — Zaliha". 13 Feb. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1174247/government-refining- details-unhcr-refugees-work-legally-zaliha
- Noraini Abu Bakar and Subramaniam, T (2024). "A study on education for refugees: Which model works best for Malaysia?". Sarjana. 39(2). 19-37. Dec
- Norwegian Refugee Council (2024). "The world's most neglected displacement crises 2024". https:// www.nrc.no/feature/2025/the-worlds-most-neglected-displacement-crises-in-2024
- O'Neal, C R, Gosnell, N M, Ng, W S, and Ong, E (2018). "Refugee-teacher-train-refugee-teacher intervention research in Malaysia: Promoting classroom management and teacher self-care". Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation. 28(1). 43-69
- Pakatan Harapan (2018). Manifesto for 2018 election. Pakatan Harapan. Kuala Lumpur
- Palik, J (2020). "Education for Rohingya refugee children in Malaysia". Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) Policy Brief. 2. www.prio.org
- Parmar, P, Hsu, S H M, and Beyrer, C (2022). "The Rohingya genocide and lessons learned from Myanmar's Spring Revolution". The Lancet, 400(10355). 793-795. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01651-8/abstract
- Penang Stop Human Trafficking Campaign/Penang Refugee Network (2019). "What future? Education for refugee children in Penang". https://www.penangrefugeenetwork.com/_files/ ugd/4c99ee_3b4ec0006e044ee7b9497245d815838f.pdf
- Penang Stop Human Trafficking Campaign/Penang Refugee Network (2020). "Child Marriage in the Rohingya Community in Penang: Factors and Strategies". https://www.penangstoptrafficking.com/_files/ugd/f54bbc_e6bd5928cfde4a4f9601bfd39ba27391.pdf
- Sinar Daily (2024). "Refugee children in Malaysia encounter countless educational, psychological challenges". 20 June. https://www.sinardaily.my/article/218984/focus/national/refugee-students- in-malaysia-encounter-countless-educational-psychological-challenges
- SPF (2020). "Challenges of perception for Rohingya refugees in Malaysia: The impact of social media and Covid-19". https://www.spf.org/en/spfnews/information/20201127.html
- SUHAKAM et al (2024). "Education for all: Realising the right to education for refugee and stateless children in Malaysia". Report of a Roundtable. Kuala Lumpur. https://suhakam.org.my/wp-content/ uploads/2024/02/Policy-Brief-RTD-on-Education-for-Refugee-and-Stateless-Children_Final.pdf
- Suka Society website (n.d.). "Providing case management for children at risk: What's the situation in Malaysia?". https://www.sukasociety.org/advocating-for-children-affected-by-detention
- Sulgina, T, and Gopal, S (2018). "Is there a parallel education system for refugees in Malaysia? A review". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention, 7(8), 42-51
- The Star Online (2016). "Learning tailored for pupils". 30 Apr. http://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2016/04/17/learning-tailored-for-pupils
- The Star Online (2025). "Refugees in Malaysia: Hope on hold". 9 Feb. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/focus/2025/02/09/hope-on-hold
- The White House (2025). "Realigning the United States refugee admissions program". 20 Jan. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/realigning-the-united-states-refugee- admissions-program/
- United Nations (UN) General Assembly (2000). United Nations Millennium Declaration. UN. New York
- UN General Assembly. (2015). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN. New York
- UN (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- UN (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child
- UN (2018). Global Compact on Refugees. UN. New York
- UNESCO (1990). "World declaration on education for all and framework for action to meet basic learning needs". Adopted by the World Conference on Education for All Meeting Basic Learning Needs. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000127583
- UNHCR (2011). "The benefits of belonging: Local integration options and opportunities for host countries, communities and refugees". https://www.refworld.org/reference/themreport/unhcr/2011/en/81054
- UNHCR (2019). Refugee education 2030: A strategy for refugee inclusion. https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/legacy-pdf/5d651da88d7.pdf
- UNHCR (2023). "Multi-year strategy 2023-2025. Malaysia". UNHCR. Kuala Lumpur
- UNHCR (2024). "Refugee education: Five years on from the launch of the 2030 refugee education strategy". https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/refugee-education-report-2024.pdf
- UNHCR (2025a). Community-based protection: An emergency handbook
- UNHCR (2025b). "Refugee data finder". https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics
- UNHCR Asia Pacific (n.d.). "Resettlement". https://www.unhcr.org/asia/what-we-do/build-better-futures/long-term-solutions/resettlement
- UNHCR Malaysia (n.d.). Education in Malaysia. https://www.unhcr.org/en-my/education-in-malaysia.html
- UNHCR Malaysia (2020). "Qatar commits USD300,000 for refugee education to overcome Covid-19 challenges". 2 Dec. https://www.unhcr.org/my/news/qatar-commits-usd300-000-refugee- education-overcome-covid-19-challenges
- UNHCR Malaysia (2022a). "UNHCR responds to child begging cases allegedly involving refugee children". https://www.unhcr.org/en-my/news/latest/2022/1/61d7bdff4/unhcr-responds-to-child- begging-cases-allegedly-involving-refugee-children.html
- UNHCR Malaysia (2022b). "Guidelines for refugee learning centres". https://refugeemalaysia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/learning-centre-guidelines.pdf
- UNHCR Malaysia (2025a). "Refugee learning centres enrolment data". Mar
- UNHCR Malaysia (2025b). Figures at a glance in Malaysia. https://www.unhcr.org/en-my/figures-at-a-glance-in-malaysia.html
- UNHCR Cyprus (2014). "The integration of refugees: A discussion paper". https://www.unhcr.org/cy/ wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2018/02/integration_discussion_paper_July_2014_EN.pdf
- UNHCR US (n.d.). "Who we protect". https://www.unhcr.org/us/about-unhcr/who-we-protect/refugees
- UN Human Rights Council website (2019). "Independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar". https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/myanmar-ffm/index
- UNICEF (2015). "Mapping alternative learning approaches, programmes and stakeholders in Malaysia". Kuala Lumpur
- UNICEF. (2022). "Left far behind: The impact of Covid-19 on access to education and healthcare for refugee and asylum-seeking children in Peninsular Malaysia". UNICEF. Kuala Lumpur
- UNICEF. (2023). "Education 2030 in Malaysia: 5-year national progress report on SDG 4". UNICEF. Kuala Lumpur
- UNICEF (2024). "UNICEF's statement on access to education for refugee and stateless children". Kuala Lumpur. https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicefs-statement-access- education-refugee-and-stateless-children
- University of Birmingham (2024). "University of Birmingham and YTL Foundation celebrate pioneering class of 2024". 19 Nov. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/university-of- birmingham-and-ytl-foundation-celebrate-pioneering-class-of-2024
- Wei Qian, K (2019). "Refugee education in another perspective: The current state in Malaysia and its way forward". The Bulletin of the Graduate School. Soka University. 40. 153-167
- Yunus, R (2023). "Educational integration of refugee children in Malaysia: A scoping review". Journal of Education in Muslim Societies. 4(2), 4-27. https://scholarworks.iu.edu/iupjournals/index.php/jems/article/download/4928/494/27030