A decade of service: An interview with co-founders Kaye & Laurie

In celebration of 10 years of operation, westgate refugee support volunteer ian coverdAle speaks to co-founders kaye and laurie.

I'm interviewing Kaye Cameron and Laurie Krepp, the Co-founders of Westgate Refugee Support (WRS). WRS began its journey in 2013 and is now marking its tenth year of operation. WRS’ annual fundraising campaign has just opened and I’m asking Kaye and Laurie about their volunteer work and why WRS is important.

“Let’s start with what WRS does”, I say.  In response Laurie explains, "WRS fundraises in Australia to provide funds to schools in Malaysia that are operated by refugee communities from Myanmar. As the children of refugees, they cannot access public schools in Malaysia, making the unofficial schools their only avenue for education. Given the extended period these families will spend in Malaysia awaiting resettlement, it is crucial for their children's future to receive some form of education."

Kaye highlights that in addition to monetary support, WRS establishes personal connections through volunteers visiting Malaysia. "Our volunteers teach students, offer professional development to teachers, and assist community-based agencies supporting and advocating for the Myanmar refugee communities," she elaborates.

Delving into their motivations for ten years of dedicated service through WRS, I ask what drives them. Kaye responds, "We aim to alleviate some of the despair experienced by refugees. The broken refugee system prolongs their precarious situations due to the global shortage of resettlement places. If we can make a difference to some people’s lives who are caught up in this situation, we are willing to do so.”

Reflecting on the highlights of their involvement with the refugee schools and communities in Malaysia, Kaye shares, "Meeting the refugees again after resettlement in Australia has been a significant highlight for us. Witnessing their appreciation for the education they received in Malaysia and their subsequent efforts to make the most of their educational and professional opportunities here in Australia is truly heartwarming."

Laurie adds, "Additionally, it's rewarding to witness the growth and development among the students and teachers we've worked with over the years. Seeing their enthusiasm when we revisit them is a privilege."

Emphasising the theme of this year's fundraising campaign, I inquire how WRS sparks hope. Kaye promptly responds, "You can see hope in the students' faces. When the WRS team visits, the excitement in the eyes of the students we teach is palpable. They have a genuine thirst for knowledge."

Kaye continues, “Through teaching, financially supporting schools, training teachers, and introducing modern teaching methods, WRS is sparking hope for a brighter future”.

With an ambitious goal of raising $10,000 through this Campaign, I ask why people should donate. Laurie explains, "A small contribution can significantly impact the lives of vulnerable people." Laurie further clarifies that the funds provided to the schools contribute to teacher salaries, lunch for students and teaching materials. He also says, “As of this year the funds are also assisting with teaching digital literacy in some of the schools. The money is being used to enhance internet connectivity and buy computers for schools where there are absolutely no other options for obtaining computers.”

Kaye adds, "The donations go a long way, especially considering the lower cost of living in Malaysia. What’s more, since WRS operates without any overhead costs, every dollar donated directly benefits the schools we work with."

Written by Ian Coverdale.

This Christmas, join our 2023 fundraising campaign and help us spark hope for brighter futures. Find out more here.