- management@smallchangesmy.org
Where The Fire Lit First
by Rushdina Sofea
It began, not with noise, but with a spark. Not a blueprint. Not a big speech. Just a question quietly burning in our hearts:
What if we went further? What if we gave our hearts to a community we’ve never reached before?
That spark caught fire. And it became Spark The Flame, a project unlike anything Small Changes had done before.
The Spark of a New Beginning
In August 2024, Small Changes travelled deep into Gerik, Perak, through winding roads and boat rides over still waters, to reach a school that has stood quietly and proudly since 1965: SK RPS Pos Kemar. Built with the help of the Malaysian Jungle Squad and JAKOA, this school sits within one of the largest Orang Asli settlements in Malaysia. It isn’t just remote, it’s rooted. Historic. Alive.
This wasn’t just another project. This was a turning point. A new partnership with QBE Foundation and Teach For Malaysia challenged us to think differently, serve more intentionally, and connect more deeply. It was a moment when Small Changes chose to dig its roots deeper into purpose.
“Through our partnership with the QBE Foundation, we identified two key opportunities to make an impact,” shared Atikah Hamid, Vice President of Project Management 2024. “Firstly, we wanted to engage a new group of beneficiaries that aligned with our core mission in supporting underserved communities. Secondly, QBE opened the door for us to explore new directions and expand our reach. That’s how Spark The Flame was born.”
This spark grew into a mission to empower through identity, confidence, education, and leadership.
But before anything could be lit, we knew we had to listen.
Building Trust Through Listening
“From the get go, I think this is really really important for anyone who wants to conduct a programme with a certain community to do because you don’t want to conduct programmes that are out of touch with the community, so balance comes from getting to know them first, and catering your content to their needs,” said Wan Fawwaz, Teach For Malaysia Project Coordinator. “We had a few sessions online where we just focused on learning their cultures, interests, academic level, and lifestyle.”
These early efforts to understand were more than planning; they were the first acts of care. That care shaped everything.
“We simplified our language, used more visual cues, and adjusted our pacing to ensure they could follow along comfortably. Fawwaz even shared a Bahasa Temiar dictionary with us and taught us basic, commonly used words to help us better connect with the students, as this is the primary language spoken within their community,” shared Hannah Sofea, Module Director for Spark The Flame.
A Stage for Expression
What followed were two unforgettable days. Spark The Flame welcomed students from SK Pos Kemar into modules filled with expression, teamwork, curiosity, and moments of magic. One moment stood out more than the rest: Gerik Got Talent.
“We created a fun and supportive environment where they felt comfortable expressing themselves,” said Idham Zamsari, facilitator and module lead. “They chose what they wanted to perform, whether it was singing, dancing, or storytelling. We guided them along the way, and offered encouragement during rehearsals.”
And just like that, a talent show became a symbol of pride. A stage where self-belief took root. That pride stayed long after the lights went out.
“I would constantly get questions from the students about the facilitators,” Fawwaz shared. “Some even pushed me to give a call to one of the facilitators just to check in on them and ask how they’re doing. This is particularly interesting because I never really expected them to grow fond of the facilitators, as that rarely happens to outside visitors.”
Behind the Magic: Challenges and Growth
Behind the scenes, none of it was easy. This project demanded more and gave back even more.
“We had to revisit and rebuild many of our existing processes and SOPs,” said Atikah. “The community we targeted was in a remote area. This was a new experience for us, but we overcame it by having strong on-the-ground partnerships with Teach For Malaysia, which played an important role in supporting our outreach.”
It wasn’t just logistics. It was about understanding and honouring the way this community lived, spoke, moved, and welcomed.
“We also learned new phrases and vocabulary that became helpful when working with the community,” added Amiera Batrisyia, who we fondly called Melb, Secretary General 2024. The most essential preparation that they did was the logistical support, from arranging transport on land and water, checking materials, and securing food to ensure they were able to conduct the project successfully. “With the proper planning we had, these efforts ensure the team is well-prepared and the project is aligned with real needs so that the experience is impactful for the volunteers.”
When things got tough, when words didn’t translate, the team didn’t shy away. They leaned in.
“I used simpler language, more examples, and hands-on guidance,” said Idham. “I also adjusted my tone to be more friendly and made sure they felt safe and comfortable to express themselves.”
Amiera Batrisyia added, “This impact didn’t just impact our community, it shifted us. It deepens our understanding, broadens our perspective, and reminds us of the importance of empathy, patience, and finding meaning beyond words.”
Some moments stick with us forever. A whisper of bravery. A hand was raised. A voice was finally heard.
“It is also nice to see that students who were shy before stepped up and even did a whole performance in front of the crowd during the last day of the programme!” Fawwaz recalled. “Others asked me questions about financial terms they learned in the module days later. That kind of curiosity is rare.”
Looking back, the true success of Spark The Flame wasn’t in what was taught, but what was felt.
“We believe the module served its purpose well within the context of the community. It wasn’t just about delivering content; it was about making the content relatable, accessible, and meaningful to the students. The module created a safe and engaging space where the students felt seen and heard, and that in itself was a win,” said Hannah.
Carrying the Flame Forward
Spark The Flame didn’t just share knowledge. It lit something within them, in us.
And now, in 2025, that flame isn’t just burning. It’s roaring.
Roots of Resilience is here. And we’re going back to where the fire lit first.
This year, we’re returning to Gerik, Perak, to empower 40 Form 4 Orang Asli students. But this isn’t a repeat. It’s a renewal. We’re digging deeper into the soil of service. We’re letting the roots hold us steady. And we’re letting the fire lead the way.
“With the continued support of the QBE Foundation, we see this as a long-term partnership that keeps us grounded in purpose,” said Atikah.
Because when we spark the flame, we don’t walk away. We ignite it and protect it.
We didn’t just light the fire in Pos Kemar. They lit one in us.
And once that fire is lit, you carry it with you. Everywhere you go.
– This article is edited by Maira Athirah
