IES have students always prided themselves on international awareness and cultural recognition. Recently a new College initiative commenced to extend a helping hand to a minority ethnic people who have suffered persecution for decades.  

On the 17th of July, the International Service Club officially commenced under the guidance of  teacher Matt Miers. This initiative was launched to provide IES College students with a broader sense of guidance and to extend a helping hand to those in need. The focus of this group is to support the Rohingya people but teaching them vocabulary and English. 

Founded by Matt Miers, the club reflects his passion for altruism and global education. Miers started this club because he felt a deep, personal connection to the cause. The club aims to enable students to become proficient in English, to teach those from different parts of the world who need language instruction. 

The club established communication with Rohingya refugees living in Kuala Lumpur, a group with whom Miers has had significant contact in the past. 

The Rohingya people, a Muslim minority primarily residing in Myanmar's Rakhine State, have endured decades of systemic discrimination, statelessness, and violence. The 1982 Citizenship Law denied them citizenship, stripping them of basic rights and access to public services, including education. Historical tensions between the Rohingya and the Buddhist Rakhine population, exacerbated by British colonial policies and post-independence exclusion, culminated in extreme violence in 2017, leading to mass displacement. Many Rohingya now live in refugee camps with limited educational resources, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization. Teaching English to the Rohingya can significantly enhance their well-being, vocational skills, and educational opportunities. 

On the 31st of July the first day of teaching the Rohingya students took place over Zoom. Engaging activities such as charades and Simon Says, employing various fun teaching techniques, were used. Both the Rohingya and IES students enjoyed the teaching process. 

IES students were very positive about the first session.  

Year 11 student Abbey Whelan enthused, “I think it went well. I think we were successful. There were a couple of technical difficulties but for our first meeting I think we were all very pleased. I enjoyed teaching. The experience was exciting, it was fun to connect with people on the other side of the world. I think one of my favorite parts was hearing the stories the kids wrote at the end of the lesson.”  

Visiting international student Madeleine Guillaume added: “It went very well; everyone was very friendly and tried to do their best.” 

Heartfelt acknowledgments go to the students from Myanmar—Yusuf, Tanha, Samiya, Zul, Muhammed, Ferhina, Hussein, Ummi, and Muawiyah—and their teacher, Ruby, for their enthusiasm and participation.  

Special thanks to Matt Miers for allowing IES Underground to visit the club and to the IES students who demonstrated selflessness and dedication in teaching, Madeleine, Abbey, Alessandro Henin, Ella Evans, Abbey, and Emilia Ramirez-Melgoza. 

The International Outreach Program is more than just a club; it is a testament to the power of education and the impact of compassionate global citizenship. Through initiatives like this, we can bridge cultures, empower minds, and create a more inclusive and understanding world.