Grounded to Grow

Roots of Resilience is grounded in the belief that true growth begins with strong foundations – with roots. For the Orang Asli students we worked with from SMK Ulu Kinta and SMK Tanjung Rambutan, those roots come from their cultural identity, inner strength, and community connections. Yet these roots often face storms: unequal access to education, social barriers, and limited opportunities. 

Over three days, more than 40 students joined us at Ever Fresh Mushroom, Greenland in Ipoh, Perak. Our mission was not about “fixing” them, but about nurturing what was already there. By empowering these students with values, skills, and self-belief, we hoped to help them grow into confident and compassionate members of their communities.

Special thanks to our Operational Directors, Idham Zamsari and Puteri Nur Suraya, we were able to create a space filled with learning and self-discovery in the heart of Ipoh. 

Fahim Ghafar, Project Director of Roots of Resilience, wanted a symbol of strength, resilience and growth to represent these students in the three days and two nights that they’d spend here. These students belonged to groups named Saka Tualang, Bakawali, Meranti, Resak — gifts of nature that reflected the qualities we hoped to nurture in every participant.

The modules that were carefully crafted by our Module Directors, Aufa Nabila and Mastura Anuar were designed to elevate and expand the students ability to grow on the ground they have been brought up in. The three pillars that we focused on were educational literacy, cultural relevance and environmental awareness.

“Intentionality, selflessness and a shared vision for a better future.”

“Just have fun with it and enjoy the ride.” – That’s one thing Naim would like others to know when embarking on this journey. 

“Self doubt would be the thief of your greatest potential.” – From one aspiring changemaker to another, Farah believes that our call for action has to be louder than our self doubts. Her most profound advice is to approach their work with selflessness; it is this quality that fuels the greatest potential within each individual.

For Athirah Raduwan and Wan Mohamad Fawwaz, developing camp modules for Seeds of Deeds: I Through Us was never about polished perfection, it was about relevance. “We didn’t work alone. Every idea went through the team,” Athirah shared, highlighting their collaborative and student-centered approach.

Fawwaz emphasized the importance of empathy in design, noting that “good modules mean little if students can’t relate to them.” One highlight was Pasar Malam Smol Cenjes, a financial literacy simulation where students ran mock businesses, facing real-world challenges like taxes and disaster scenarios. The hands-on module taught core financial skills while reinforcing the camp’s four key pillars.

As the camp concluded, the overarching message became clear: there is always something to learn, even when experiences feel like pure fun. Seeds of Deeds: I Through Us planted seeds of possibility that will continue to grow long after the camp ended, nurturing a spirit of growth and connection for years to come.

The collective wisdom of Naim, Farah, Fawwaz Athirah and and all the facilitators that help to realize this module underscores the transformative power of leadership and learning within Small Changes, driven by intentionality, selflessness, and a shared vision for a brighter future in education.

The success of the Ngembak Blaja! program in empowering underserved students in Kuching districts ensured the program reached those who could benefit most, Small Changes partnered with the local education office in Kuching. Students were carefully selected from two secondary schools: SMK Paku and SMK Bako among them. The focus? Form 4 students from a variety of backgrounds who demonstrated both promise and potential. The selection process emphasized inclusivity—looking for students active in co-curricular life and representing a blend of high-achievers and those still finding their footing. It wasn’t just about grades. It was about giving a platform to future leaders from underserved communities.

Each module was curated with care to align with the camp’s dual focus: leadership and communication, especially in English. The activities weren’t abstract—they were grounded in real growth. One standout example was Trust the Trail, an outdoor challenge where students had to collaborate, listen actively, and problem-solve together. “Two-way communication was essential,” said Erin. “It pushed them to speak up, listen closely, and support one another.”

Each facilitator, affectionately called faci, was paired with a small group of participants for the duration of the program. They became a steady presence—checking in each morning, encouraging shy students to step forward, and offering heartfelt insights during group reflections. Their job wasn’t just to deliver a module. It was to build a bridge of trust.

Facis were specially trained to notice the quiet ones—the students who lingered on the edges, hesitant to speak. With patience and warmth, they’d draw them out, not with pressure, but with presence.

“One of our facilitators told me she noticed a girl who didn’t speak for the first day and a half,” Erin shared. “By the third night, she was leading a group chant. That’s the power of a safe space.”

The camp was filled with scheduled sessions—modules on leadership, communication, teamwork. But the real growth often happened in the margins: during late-night heart-to-hearts, spontaneous dance-offs, or quiet walks to the dining hall. It happened when a student felt seen, not as a name on a list, but as a person full of potential.

Beyond just an iftar, Ceria Ramadan Fest is a movement that carries a deeper purpose. It was founded on the shared vision of individuals who wanted to create something truly special.

Azri Malek, the founder of Small Changes, reflected on how the event came to life:

“For years, my friends and I have been hosting buka puasa gatherings for orphans. But last year, through a shared vision with Adly Rizal (Fried Chillies), Kaii & Ashraf (AK Events), and Erina & Anas (Zaahara), we created something bigger, which is Ceria Ramadan Fest. It’s a beautiful mix of different people bringing their strengths together to build something meaningful.”

The core idea behind the event wasn’t just about providing meals but ensuring the orphans felt truly celebrated. Adly Rizal, the brain behind the programme and founder of Fried Chillies Food Network, emphasized this:

“We wanted our friends and families to see these children as individuals with their own dreams and cravings, not just as an orphanage group to be displayed. This event allows them to experience Iftar in a way that truly excites them.”

Looking ahead, the founders hope to see Ceria Ramadan Fest expand even further. Anas from Zahaara shared his aspirations:

“We want this to grow into something even bigger, maybe one day hosting it at a stadium or even having it endorsed by Tourism Malaysia. This way, more people can learn about Ramadan, iftar, and the beauty of giving back.”

Azri Malek echoed this sentiment, hoping the event continues to bring joy to more beneficiaries each year:

“I want this event to be remembered as one of the best moments of Ramadan for the beneficiaries. I hope they walk away with full hearts and full stomachs, knowing they are seen, valued, and loved.”

This year, Ceria Ramadan Fest went global, with volunteers hosting smaller-scale buka puasa events in Osaka, Leeds, Birmingham, Qatar, Sydney, and London. It’s proof that this initiative is more than just an event. It’s a movement of love, culture, and generosity.

“We want to continue growing this, making it a tradition that brings people together every Ramadan. Ceria Ramadan Fest isn’t just about feeding people, it’s about building bridges, sharing cultures, and witnessing joy.” – Adly Rizal