COMMENT | Stateless children, like any other, yearn to contribute to society. Given the opportunity, they not only can, but they do.

I’ve had the privilege of working with stateless Bajau Laut children in Pulau Omadal, Semporna in a social inclusion community initiative, Iskul Sama diLaut Omadal (Iskul).

The children have shown me the immense potential every child holds when they have access to education and nutrition.

Their unwavering enthusiasm for learning fuels my own dedication to sustaining Iskul for the past eight years. It hasn’t been easy - we constantly face challenges, but witnessing the transformation of these children makes it all worthwhile.

The children have blossomed even in the face of extreme deprivation. They lack clean water, electricity, nutrition, healthcare, education, safe spaces, and freedom of movement.