Informing People, Transforming Lives
Aspiring to create lasting positive change for the Zomi community
We envision a future where Zomi refugees and vulnerable individuals live with dignity, safety, and opportunity, where they can preserve their cultural heritage while successfully integrating into host communities, and where they ultimately achieve durable solutions to displacement.
At Zomi Association of Malaysia, our vision guides our daily actions and long-term planning. We are working toward a future where refugees and vulnerable individuals can not only survive but thrive, where their rights are protected, and where they have pathways to sustainable livelihoods and permanent solutions.
While we address immediate needs through our various programs and departments, we remain focused on long-term outcomes that transform lives and communities. Our vision encompasses both the journey and the destination – supporting refugees through their current challenges while working toward lasting solutions.
We believe in a world where forced displacement is temporary, where communities support one another, and where the skills, talents, and contributions of refugees are recognized and valued. This vision fuels our commitment to excellence in all our endeavors.
Key elements that form our ideal future for the Zomi community
A world where Zomi refugees live free from persecution, discrimination, and fear, with their human rights fully respected and protected.
A future where refugees are treated with dignity and respect, recognized as valuable members of society with unique contributions to offer.
Communities empowered with skills, resources, and opportunities to build independent and sustainable livelihoods.
Permanent resolutions to displacement through resettlement, local integration, or voluntary repatriation when conditions allow.
Thriving Zomi cultural identity, language, and traditions that are preserved and celebrated across generations and borders.
Harmonious coexistence with host communities, with mutual respect and beneficial relationships that enrich all involved.
A deeper look at the future we envision
We envision a future where every Zomi refugee and vulnerable individual:
We envision Zomi refugee communities that are:
We envision a world where:
How we see our organization evolving to meet future challenges
To effectively advance our vision for the community, we must continually develop as an organization. Our vision for Zomi Association of Malaysia includes:
Building a financially sustainable organization with diverse funding sources, efficient systems, and the capacity to serve a growing community. We envision ZAM as a model of nonprofit excellence that can adapt to changing needs.
Increasing our reach to serve more refugees with enhanced programs and services. We envision ZAM's influence extending beyond direct service to include advocacy, research, and policy development that creates systemic change.
Developing the next generation of community leaders through mentorship and capacity building. We envision a ZAM that is primarily led by members of the refugee community themselves, with structures that ensure inclusive participation.
Forging strong relationships with government bodies, international organizations, local NGOs, and the private sector. We envision ZAM as a respected voice in discussions about refugee policy and programing in Malaysia and beyond.
Key milestones on our journey toward realizing our vision
Strengthening our core services, developing robust organizational systems, expanding our volunteer base, and enhancing our community engagement practices.
Scaling up programs to reach more community members, developing specialized services for specific needs, enhancing our advocacy capabilities, and building stronger partnerships.
Developing innovative approaches to longstanding challenges, establishing sustainable funding mechanisms, implementing comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems.
Focusing on policy advocacy and systemic change, serving as a knowledge hub for refugee issues in Malaysia, developing replicable models for other refugee communities.
Achieving significant progress toward durable solutions for the majority of Zomi refugees, developing community-led and self-sustaining initiatives, establishing lasting positive change.
Real-life examples that embody our vision for the future
"When I arrived in Malaysia, I couldn't speak English and had no educational certificates. Through ZAM's education center and scholarship support, I completed my secondary education and eventually earned a degree in computer science. Today, I work remotely as a programmer for an international company while mentoring other refugee youth. My story shows that with the right support, refugees can overcome barriers and build successful futures."
"After participating in ZAM's women's handicraft program, I joined with four other women to start a small business making traditional textiles and modern clothing designs. What began in my living room has grown into a workshop that employs twelve refugee women. We now sell our products to local boutiques and online customers. This business has given us financial independence and dignity while preserving our cultural craftsmanship."
"After seven years in Malaysia, my family was resettled to Canada. The preparation and support we received from ZAM—from language classes to cultural orientation—made our transition much smoother. The skills I gained through ZAM's employment program helped me secure a job within months of arrival. We maintain our Zomi cultural practices while embracing our new home, and we continue to support ZAM's work through fundraising in our new community."
Join us in building the future we envision
Our vision is ambitious, but achievable with the support and engagement of people like you. There are many ways you can contribute to making our vision a reality:
Together, we can transform our vision into reality for Zomi refugees and vulnerable individuals.
Contact Us Today