Informing People, Transforming Lives
Dedicated individuals making a difference in the Zomi community
Zomi Association of Malaysia is primarily powered by volunteers who generously contribute their time, skills, and passion to support the refugee community. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including both the Zomi community and Malaysian locals, united by their commitment to making a difference.
From translation services and healthcare assistance to educational support and administrative tasks, our volunteers are involved in every aspect of our operations. Their dedication allows us to maximize our impact and reach more people in need while keeping operational costs low.
Currently, ZAM has over 50 active volunteers serving across our departments. These dedicated individuals include professionals who provide specialized skills, students gaining practical experience, and community members giving back. Many of our volunteers are themselves refugees who understand firsthand the challenges faced by the community.
We believe in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our volunteers, offering training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop new skills while making a meaningful contribution to a vital humanitarian cause.
Our volunteer team at the annual appreciation event
Ways you can contribute your skills and time
Assist with translation at hospitals, coordinate medical appointments, and help with health education initiatives.
Teach at our education center, develop curriculum, tutor students, or assist with educational administration.
Assist during emergencies, help with translations during arrests or accidents, and coordinate crisis response.
Support women's empowerment initiatives, handicraft training, and women's health programs.
Assist with office administration, database management, communications, and organizational support.
Help document our work, manage social media, develop promotional materials, and raise awareness about refugee issues.
Individuals making a significant impact in our community
Healthcare Department Volunteer, 3 years
"As a doctor, I believe healthcare is a human right. Volunteering with ZAM allows me to use my medical skills to help those who face barriers to care. The resilience I see in the Zomi community continually inspires me."
Dr. Sarah coordinates our monthly health clinics and provides medical consultations to refugees with complex health conditions. Her expertise has been invaluable in building relationships with local hospitals.
Education Department Volunteer, 5 years
"I was once a refugee child without access to education. Now as a teacher, I can give back by ensuring other refugee children have the educational opportunities I initially lacked. Seeing their progress is my greatest reward."
Thang teaches mathematics and science at the Zomi Education Center and has developed a special curriculum that bridges gaps in students' prior education. He also mentors other volunteer teachers.
Women's Department Volunteer, 2 years
"Working with Zomi women to develop handicraft skills has been incredibly rewarding. These women have overcome so much, and it's inspiring to see them gain confidence and economic independence through their creativity."
Mei Lin conducts weekly handicraft workshops, helping refugee women develop marketable skills. She has also established partnerships with local businesses to sell handmade products, creating sustainable income opportunities.
Intervention Department Volunteer, 4 years
"Being on call for emergencies can be challenging, but knowing I can help a family during their most vulnerable moments makes it all worthwhile. Understanding the legal system and providing that knowledge to refugees empowers them."
David serves on our emergency response team, providing assistance during arrests and helping navigate legal challenges. His background in law and fluency in multiple languages makes him an invaluable asset in crisis situations.
Your journey to making a difference starts here
Complete our volunteer application form or contact us expressing your interest in volunteering. Let us know about your skills, availability, and areas of interest.
Contact UsWe'll schedule an interview to discuss your interests and how they align with our needs. This is followed by an orientation session to familiarize you with our organization.
Based on your skills and our current needs, we'll place you with the most appropriate department. You'll receive specific training for your volunteer role.
Begin your volunteer journey with support from experienced team members. Your commitment can be flexible, from a few hours weekly to more intensive involvement.
We provide regular check-ins, additional training opportunities, and volunteer appreciation events to ensure your experience is rewarding and impactful.
Common questions about volunteering with ZAM
We welcome volunteers with various availability. The minimum commitment is generally 4 hours per month, though some roles (like emergency response or teaching) may require more regular involvement. We can work with you to find a schedule that fits your availability.
While knowledge of Zomi languages is valuable for certain roles (particularly translation and direct community engagement), it's not required for all volunteer positions. Many of our volunteers speak only English or Malay and work alongside Zomi-speaking team members when translation is needed.
Yes, all volunteers receive a general orientation about ZAM and refugee issues, plus specific training for their volunteer role. We believe in equipping our volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective. Ongoing training opportunities are also available throughout your volunteer journey.
While many of our volunteer roles require physical presence in Kuala Lumpur to interact with the community, we do have some remote volunteering opportunities, particularly in areas like content creation, translation of written materials, website management, and administrative support. Please specify your location constraints when applying.
Yes, we regularly work with students who need to fulfill community service or internship requirements. We can provide documentation of your volunteer hours and responsibilities. Please inform us of any specific requirements from your educational institution when you apply.
There are no fees to become a volunteer. We provide necessary training and materials for your role. Volunteers are typically responsible for their own transportation to and from the volunteer location. For certain activities that require additional expenses, ZAM may provide reimbursement with prior approval.
How we appreciate and celebrate our volunteers
At ZAM, we deeply value the contributions of our volunteers and recognize their essential role in our organization's impact. We believe in celebrating their dedication and ensuring their volunteer experience is rewarding.
Our annual volunteer appreciation event celebrating the dedication of our team
What our volunteers say about their experience
Join our volunteer team and help create positive change in the lives of Zomi refugees in Malaysia.
Apply to Volunteer Today