The waiting room is full and tense. There is a mixture or people from all backgrounds, packed together in a long but narrow corridor. They sit or stand shoulder to shoulder, but are worlds apart. I sit and hypothesize about that distance. Whether it’s the language barriers or the weight of solemn helplessness to aid loved ones that keeps people eerily quiet, I’m not sure. Then I sit and reflect on a few scenes I just witnessed coming in that seem to indicate the latter. A stream of shirtless, handcuffed Burmese men waiting with heavy eyes. Giant paddy wagons parked outside used in raids to arrest the people–our people–or people like them anyway.

“They sit or stand shoulder to shoulder, but are worlds apart.”

The paper work is done. And not a moment too soon, my sulking is abruptly interrupted by yelling in Thai. I understand and jump to my feet with the others. The command is followed by something broken and harsh, resembling English. I handover my passport for a locker key and crush my belongings inside. No camera and no phones is emphasized in the Thai commands over the importance of no metal or sharp objects. Is any connection to the outside a threat? I swallow that thought while they pat me down and carelessly molest the packages of food I’ve brought. Hands are waved and I wander over to the portable fence.

“I loathe this fence.”

Some of the detainees are already out and the searching and murmuring escalates. There is another row of port-o-fences partitioning the detainees from our fence with a meter or so in between, that at first impression seems to be a mile. The rest is a dysfunctional airport scene. Some elation, greetings, and smiles. The volume of the people shouting between the fences intensifies.

I loathe this fence.

It separates people in a different way than when we were outside. It is the physical personification of the same solemn helplessness I felt then. Damned fence. It doesn’t save me from the obvious desperation of the people on the other side, the heat of the sun, nor the stench from the toilets in the nearby cells.

I press my fingers through the fence and lean on it because I can see her now. “Mr. Noname!” she shouts.

I reply, “Happy Birthday.”

“Today there were enough volunteers to reunite her whole family during the visiting hour. We’re proud.”

She’s been here since the raids last October. Only a few months ago she was a regular attendant of the Saturday morning classes at the Bangkok Refugee Center, practicing her English with me, quizzing the other volunteers about the US, and teaming up with her friends to guess my name. When they couldn’t pry it out of me I was dubbed Mr. Noname. Today there were enough volunteers to reunite her whole family during the visiting hour. We’re proud.

Her smile is noticeably bigger than mine. She’s a teenager today. The other volunteers gather around the fence on our side. I glance around self consciously. Back to the dysfunctional airport scene. Back to the sign behind me that reads, “Don’t trow anything.” And finally, back to the fence. I join the others in crooning the happy birthday song through it. Later, they point over to the food supplies we brought, including bottled water and birthday cupcakes freshly smushed from the search.

The time is up. We wave goodbye to the beaming new teenager. I leave ashamed a little for comparing her birthday to ones I had. Or maybe from being unable to fully mirror her beautiful smile. But I’m thankful and positive–there’s no better way I could have spent my morning.

Join

This is just one of the many stories from the visits we’re making to IDC. It was built to temporarily house foreigners and migrants who overstayed visas or found themselves on the wrong side of Thai law. Thus it can often be quite crowded, without all the amenities of a normal prison. Many refugee families who are arrested end up there regardless of their status with the UN and with little recourse. Twice a week volunteers gather to visit, reunite the families, and bring supplies. Please consider donating or visiting with us while you’re in Bangkok.

Here’s a quote from Ryan who had to stay there a week before his family was resettled to the US:

“In IDC, people are short of everything…. They need most basic supplies, such as carbohydrates, vitamins, drinking water, and hygiene necessities. I know it’s gonna be really hard for yourself to make much different in these people’s life, but with more people actively involving in your program, I believe a lot of people’s life will be better.”

Other Good Ways to Go to Jail

There are other groups going into prisons and providing services to inmates. For example, the Christian Prison Ministry Foundation works with prisoners nearing release. In addition to giving religious guidance to inmates, they provide a series of educational classes to prepare participants to succeed once reintegrated back into society. CPMF is doing everything from art classes to running a halfway house for inmates. Get involved by volunteering to share a skill, especially if you have an interest in helping people rebuild their lives.

Get Uncomfortable

I understand that for many, visiting jails and detention centers aren’t the types of attractions you normally think of when you’re planning your trip to Thailand. I sure didn’t. But when you get in the habit of making yourself available to serve others, you’ll learn to love the adventure that is packaged with making a difference in people’s lives.

-Dwight

#10 – Painting

Confession: I didn’t paint anything.

All of the art was done by refugees living in Bangkok. This was the first big In Search of Sanuk project of 2009 and gave us a big running start for the year. We raised almost 60,000 baht for the Bangkok Refugee Center and had travel photographer Gavin Gough there to document it. For a look back see his photo blog: Picture from my mind” Art Exhibition in aid of the Bangkok Refugee Centre

Hindsight: We didn’t know at the time how much of a difference we were making. Unfortunately, a lot of 2009 was a rough year for refugees here as arrests have increased and services decreased.

#9 – Writing

Confession: This was very hit and miss.

The lesson here is perseverance–something I’m still learning.  I’m lucky to have a had a great encouragement in the way of an awesome community of bloggers Cody Mckibben has introduced me to. Everyone has been really welcoming and willing to share advice. I don’t take that for granted. Not everyone will invite you into their community when your ideas are unconventional.

Hindsight: One milestone was getting a chance to write an article for Cnngo. However, blogging is hard work and it took me a while to find my voice. The biggest challenge is balancing all you’re doing, with keeping people who care about your cause informed and involved.

#8 – Dating Miss Universe

Confession: This doesn’t actually happen until December 28th.

You thought I would quit after meeting Michelle Yeoh earlier this year? Nope. This time I’ve won an auction for a date with Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005. Proceeds from the auction, of course, are going to build a medical clinic in Mae Sot near the Burma border. It’s a tough job I have, but I can’t complain!

Foresight: This really exemplifies what kind of random episodes which spring up when you’re willing to extend yourself for worthy causes. Whatever happens on this date, it’s already been successful. Through all the communicating with the organizers, I have already gotten a commitment from them to donate medicine to get all the kids at our teaching project checked up. Sorry Natalie, but that made me jump up and down a little more than the dinner plans.

#7 – Traveling

Confession: I now am in the habit of going somewhere and looking for ways to help. You don’t have to travel to do that.

When I first met my mentor, Marc Gold, the idea of traveling to do good was still novel to me. This year I have met and joined quite a few traveling philanthropists. I hope this is a sign that there is a growing trend of people realizing how rewarding it can be to spend your holiday helping others. Some memories that stick out are the slum kids in Denpasar, a restaurant employing street kids in Vientienne, teaching in the Thai countryside, visits to orphanages in Bali and on the border of Burma.

Hindsight: You can go looking for trouble, but you may not be prepared for what you find.

#6 Drinking

Confession: I wish I had been told earlier that you can sure sculpt a nice event, but it’s better to build a strong community.

Through both the Bangkok Tweetup and a larger party we organized this year called LUSH, we have really pioneered the idea of cause focused events in Bangkok. Some people come out for a great cause. Some people come out for a great party. Most people come for the community that enjoys both. In any case, we don’t discriminate. In addition to funneling money to our Sanuk My Saturday project and numerous other groups, we’re well known in the city for breaking bar records and having to send our sad faced supporters home after cleaning out all the spirits.

Hindsight: This was a great idea because we casually exposed people to our project that we couldn’t otherwise drag to come volunteer with us. Yes, you can reach people with something besides gala dinners in the grand ballroom.

#5 Basketball

Confession: No unwanted stress ever came from the little people. It’s the big ones I have trouble dealing with.

Some where along the road in these shenanigans a friend offered tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters. The Globetrotters hadn’t been to Bangkok since the sixties and I saw them perform in Atlanta when I was about twelve. So I got to feel kinda like a dad when I showed up at the arena with kids from our teaching project in tow. We had a section of the arena reserved for us (the other group they did this for was the US embassy) and all the volunteers who also tagging along.

Hindsight: This would not have been possible without all the people who attended the Bangkok Tweetup, drank and gave. The tickets were free, but we had to cover transportation, snacks and dinner for all the kids.

#4 Tweeting

Confession: Any meal is a happy meal. I can do gourmet too.

Cnngo caught up with me eating on the street earlier this year to tell the city who hasn’t caught on to twitter what you already knew— that I’m addicted to the internet and volunteering. Take a look at the article: Bangkok’s fun-seeking, volunteering, tweeting American

Hindsight: A more accurate headline would have been Bangkok’s handsome, single, fun seeking internet addict volunteers to be attacked by kids whenever he leaves the house.

#3 Thrilling The World

Confession: I’m not to blame for this one!

I had just finished the Twestival global event, when In Search of Sanuk supporter Lola Rainey said we had to learn the moves to Thriller. In true zombie form, I admittedly dragged my feet at first. Lola, however, took the reigns and round up a great group of dancers to not only participate in breaking the world record for largest simultaneous dance, but also perform in front of hundreds (zombies keep their cool even when the wrong music is played haha), raising over $1,000 for the Bangkok Refugee Center. A touching moment in this adventure was when another friend, Shimona Kee performed Michael Jackson’s Heal the World in front of a huge audience at Bangkok’s Central World.

Hindsight: Surround yourself with change makers and don’t pout too much if they put you to work.

#2 Booty Shaking

Confession: I thought my butt would be more famous by now.

The reason this one is ranked so high is because of the sheer spontaneity of it. I led a group of volunteers from visiting an elderly home to relax in the park. It was there that we stumbled over one man’s magic hips and captured what we still secretly hope will make us youtube stars one day (only 3,000 views so far). So it didn’t make my butt famous, but it is the one moment that has generated more laughter than any other this year.

Hindsight: Should have found the man in that video and invited him to some of our parties.

#1 Begging

Confession: I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

In 2009 I beg, borrowed, and generally pestered people I’m close to. This really runs the gamut from convincing Cody to get involved, to asking Shimona to sing in front of hundreds, to getting an entire section of the arena reserved for our kids and volunteers. Forget the amount of money we raised. We have really challenged people’s thinking about what it means to give back and surprised some needy groups with funding that wouldn’t have otherwise reached them. People are beginning to believe they have something to contribute. That’s powerful. For that I thank everyone following along and on the ground here participating.

Hindsight: If you can’t convince your friends, who then?

The students began the day by touring the facility and becoming familiar with the status of refugees in Bangkok. In the picture above, everyone is surprised to hear how many patients come through the center’s tiny clinic facility.

After the tour, the students began to clean litter, rocks and debris out of places where they planned to plant the flowers they purchased. The center is one of the few places it is safe for refugees to venture beyond their homes, so making the place more beautiful was a task everyone wanted to participate in.

These students not only had to do physical labor, but they were responsible for much of the project management aspects of their volunteer day. They wrote budgets in their teams, went shopping for supplies, and each team made a presentation to the staff at the refugee center.

Their presentations suggested what type of plants should be grown, the needs of the different species of plants, and even included menus of dishes the center could prepare with the veggies from their new garden.

They went over and beyond what they were asked by donating food, clothing, seeds for the future garden, and even pooling their money to contribute a donation. This should be an inspiration to all of us of what we can accomplish with a desire to help and a little teamwork!

Thank you to NIVA International School, all the BRC staff who participated, and everyone supporting this project. There is more work to do and we will need your support to continue into the next phase.

More before and after pics on flickr:

We don’t usually think about overcrowded slums and packed out apartments when we’re discussing going green. However, ISOS is proud to announce it’s first “green” project to assist the urban poor.

Project Managers: Dwight Turner, Hy Martin

Target: The urban poor (Bangkok’s poorest residents including Thais, refugees, and Burmese migrants).

Goal: Make a garden accessible in poor communities to educate residents, supplement their diets, and instill proper care for the environment.

Benefits: More discretionary income. Gardening is highly therapeutic, educational and the activity will encourage the interaction of foreigners and Thais without requiring much translation.

Potential Sites: Khlong Toey Slum, Bangkok Refugee Center, and if the budget allows we hope to add additional locations.

Activity: “Play In The Dirt Day”

• We will arrange a day for volunteers and the local community to join hands and “play in the dirt” by building a garden in an area accessible to the urban poor.
• Upon completion everyone will have lunch together and community residents will return home with seedlings to nurture.

Need: Appropriate space for a garden. Materials, gardening tools, and a group of carefully selected species to plant. Also long term community support to insure gardens reach full potential and are properly cared for.

Cost: ISOS events and donations from volunteers will fund this project. Sponsorship is desired. Please contact us to sponsor a garden.

Check out the original Urban Garden Project website and imagine the impact similar activities can have in Bangkok. Thank you for previewing our concept and make suggestions by leaving a comment.

Click here to see the original invitation in Thai and English.

More Art + More Wine + More Prizes = Sanuk

Here’s why you don’t want to miss next Saturday’s party:

• Exhibition – The exhibition includes many works done by refugees and asylum seekers at the Bangkok Refugee Center. Most the artwork was done by children. However, some of the smallest children have experienced more turmoil than most of us can imagine. Come and support them and have a chance to see special donated artwork from artists in Thailand, Japan, and the United States. We’re joining forces!

“Have a chance to see special donated artwork from artists in Thailand, Japan, and the United States. We’re joining forces!”

• Wine Tasting – Remember your admission includes wine tasting from 6-8pm. Be there early to enjoy the wine as you place bids on the pictures made by refugees and the special guest art. By your request we’ll have a chilly surprise waiting for all the wine connoisseurs.

• Raffle – As with the Grand Opening there are many things we’ll be giving away that evening. They include art done by the refugees, art lessons with Chalit Nakpawan, gift certificates for beauty products and other surprises.

“No fighting in the streets or breaking bottles over anyone’s head to walk away with what you want. Just make sure you’re the highest bidder at the end of the night!”

• Silent Auction – Make sure you participate in our silent auction. For a this type of auction all you have to do is find the form of the painting you want and make a bid on it! No fighting in the streets or breaking bottles over anyone’s head to walk away with what you want. Just make sure you’re the highest bidder at the end of the night! Give your registration # and contact info and the price you want to bid.

“This project will be the beginning of many more because of you!”

• Great Company – Come mix with people volunteering for the BRC, working for the UNHCR or working on all kinds of various projects to create change in our community. Jump in! This is what ISOS was created to encourage. This project will be the beginning of many more because of you!

See you there at 6pm and here’s the map again so you can be sure you find us:

Click To See This Larger

On Thursday we had the long awaited Grand Opening Party for our project Picture From My Mind: Depictions of Hunger, Homelessness and Hope. This gallery will be on display until we end with our Silent Auction and Finale Party on Feb. 28th, 2009. Here are a few pictures from a great night:

Arthur Mangan, BRC, Invites People To Help Refugees

In The Auction Room

Wine Tasting

Great Company

Volunteers!

Gracious Hosts

Prizes!

Sanuk!

For more go to our Flickr account or search “In Search of Sanuk” on facebook to find our page and see the gallery loaded there. Enjoy!

To see the original invitation in Thai and English click here.

Registration begins at 6pm. When you come to the gallery and pay to enter, you will be registered to buy art, have a chance to donate volunteer time to the BRC, and be entered in our raffle.

ISOS Raffle. As the night goes on we’ll give away pieces of art made at the Bangkok Refugee Center, art lessons from Chalit Nakpawan, wine, and more! Drawings will be made by influential artists like Kongpat Sadapitak and some of Thailand biggest hearts like Anchanida Premchaona, owner of Boungiorno Coffee & Wine Bar, and others!

Welcome! Around 7.30pm, hear from Dwight Turner, Founder of In Search of Sanuk and Chalit Nakpawan, Artist and Owner of Moddy Restaurant and Gallery.

The Cause. Next we’ll take a minute to remember the purpose of this big party: to help  asylum seekers and refugees. We’ll lend our ear to Arthur Mangan, Director of the Bangkok Refugee Center and Rufino Seva, the Project Manager.

The Gallery. Most of the art featured was made by refugees at the Refugee Center. You will notice that not all of the art is happy or optimistic. We hope this will give you a chance to reflect on how lucky we are to be from stable countries like Thailand and the US and use our good fortune to help these refugees from all over the world. Especially with the recent ugly news about treatment of refugees, we can no longer afford to look away. Explore the gallery and prepare your heart to make a contribution.

Wine Tasting from 6.30-8pm. Are you already adjusted to Thai time and know you’ll be late? Leave early and get there for the free wine. Don’t worry, after 8pm, you’ll still be able to buy a cheap glass of wine (120B) or a cheap bottle (800B) and benefit the refugee center.

Sick Friday. For everyone calling in sick on Friday, the party will continue to 11pm, but we encourage you to come early and have time to take in everything.

Map. Finally here’s a detailed English map with instructions. Some of our volunteers got lost and thought this would be helpful for everyone coming to the event. Take a look and see you there!

“I have learned something far more complicated than anything in a text book–surviving as a refugee.“

ISOS: Ryan, have you had any opportunities to go to school?
I was 17 when I came to Thailand, I did not finish high school and the refugee center only provides very basic education to the refugee kids. As I have to support my family financially, my education ended. But over time, I have learned something far more complicated than anything in a text book–surviving as a refugee.

ISOS: What are you risking by living here?

Having the official UNHCR refugee status doesn’t mean it is legitimate for me to stay in Thailand. In fact, I could be arrested by the police at any moment and be sent to the detention center. Fortunately, I have never come across any police or been asked to show my legal certificate in my past three years in Bangkok. This may be because my Chinese features are not very different from Thai features.

“…I could be arrested by the police at any moment…“

ISOS: Are you able to find housing here?
For two years, my parents and I stayed in a tiny 12 square meter studio. Three months ago, my friend found a small apartment owned by his friend and rented it to us for a very low price. The condition is much better than the studio we used to live in. The only problem is in order to go to the Refugee Center I need to travel for 2 hours.

ISOS: Are there any other aspects of living here that makes life difficult for refugees?
With no legal status, everything becomes a lot more difficult. Also, there are many different emotional challenges living as a refugee, to me the biggest challenge is the sense of loneliness and the desperation of getting my life back on track. But there is not always much I can do since my life is no longer in my control.

“A refugee will never have a real life in this country, the only hope for them is to rebuild their lives elsewhere.“

ISOS: What would you need to take back control?
Resettlement. A refugee will never have a real life in this country, the only hope for them is to rebuild their lives elsewhere.

Resettlement is usually not something any individual is able to help with. Getting an education is my next biggest need, if I am to truly feel I have some sort of say in what’s to become of me and my family.

ISOS: What are your best and worst experiences in Thailand?
My best experience in Thailand has been working at the refugee center with refugees and volunteers from all over the world.

Waiting for two years for my refugee status to be granted was definitely my worst experience in not only Thailand, but my entire life. It is terrible even to think about.

ISOS: What do you want to do in the future?
I am looking forward to working in human rights or doing something to help refugees, but first of all, I have to find a country that will accept me.

ISOS: Is your experience similar to other asylum seekers and refugees?
They all pretty much go through the same suffering as I did, and I believe they’re all hoping to be resettled more than anything else they’ve ever hoped.

“…I believe they’re all hoping to be resettled more than anything else they’ve ever hoped.“

ISOS: Thank you Ryan both for your time and your encouraging bravery.

___________________________

Ryan has an amazing story to tell. His experience encompasses both the resilience and hope ISOS loves to highlight. Leave an encouraging note and come show your support for the BRC during the art exhibition!

See Part One of Ryan’s Interview or see causes for more info on the BRC.

The artwork used above will be featured in a special ISOS exhibition. See Picture From My Mind for details.

Click To Enlarge (ภาษาอังกฤษ)

Picture From My Mind
Depictions of Hunger, Homelessness, and Hope

InSearchofSanuk.com and the Bangkok Refugee Center invite you to experience an exclusive art exhibit benefiting Bangkok’s urban refugees and asylum seekers. Exhibition starts Feb. 16th – 28th, 2009 from 17.00-23.00 (free of charge)

Join us Feb. 19th for the Grand Opening Party and join the Finale Party on Feb. 28th from 19.00-23.00 to take part in the silent auction.

Arrive early for wine tasting on those days and have a chance to win art lessons from Bangkok’s own Chalit Nakpawan and other exciting prizes! 200B Donation for entrance.

Moddy Restaurant & Gallery
18 Ari Soi 4 North
BTS: Ari Station, Exit Door 3 toward Soi Ari
02-617-0108 www.moddybangkok.com
————————-

Click to Enlarge (ภาษาไทย)

Picture From My Mind

ความหิวโหย ไร้ที่พักพิง และความหวังอันเลือนลาง

InSearchofSanuk.com ร่วมกับ Bangkok Refugee Center
เชิญชมนิทรรศการงานศิลปะภาพวาดฝีมือผู้ลี้ภัย และงานจากศิลปินอิสระอีกมากมาย งานนี้จัดขึ้นโดยความร่วมมือของศิลปินชื่อดัง คุณชลิต นาคพะวัน เพื่อช่วยเหลือผู้ลี้ภัยที่อาศัยในกรุงเทพฯ งานนิทรรศการเปิดให้เข้าชม ตั้งแต่ วันที่ 16-28 กุมภาพันธ์ 2552เวลา 17.00-23.00 น. (ไม่มีค่าใช้จ่าย )

ขอเชิญทุกท่านมาร่วมงานเปิดตัวนิทรรศการในวันที่ 19 กุมภา และงานเลี้ยงขอบคุณ วันที่ 28 กุมภา เวลา 19.00-23.00 น. ภายในงานมีการจัดประมูล, ขายภาพศิลปะและทดลองชิมไวน์ จากทั่วโลก ค่าเข้าร่วมงาน 200 บาท รายได้ทั้งหมดเพื่อสนับสนันศูนย์ผู้ลี้ภัย

สถานที่ ร้านอาหาร Moddy Restaurant & Gallery
เลขที่ 18 ซอยอารีย์ 4 เหนือ ถนนพหลโยธิน 7
BTS: สถานที่ อารีย์ ประตู 3
โทร 02 617 0108
www.moddybangkok.com

In preparation of our upcoming art show to benefit the BRC, we wanted to offer content which gives readers a more proficient understanding of what refugees and asylum seekers go through. ISOS was proud to post the article Waiting by Sherri Phenchard (See part one or part two). Today we’re excited to post the following interview from Ryan, a Chinese Refugee who found himself several thousand miles away from home in Bangkok, Thailand.

ISOS:  Hey Ryan, first tell us where were you born?

I am originally from Xi’an, China.

ISOS: So how did you end up living in Bangkok?

I moved here with my parents. The three of us fled from China.

“We were constantly harassed, mistreated and interrupted in China.“

ISOS: Why did you have to leave? I mean… who were you running from and why Thailand?

We were persecuted by the government because our faith in Christianity and my father’s association with Christian organizations outside of China, combined with his involvement with the house-church movement in China. We were constantly harassed, mistreated and interrupted in China. We were forced to move from place to place, living like exiles in the country we’re from. It was unbearable living like that.

The reason we chose to come to Thailand, was because we heard on the Radio Free Asia (an U.S. government founded non-profit radio station) that in Thailand some organizations could provide international protection to people who are persecuted in their own country. We didn’t know they were referring to UNHCR at that time. Another reason was because coming to Thailand from China was financially affordable and the distance was relatively short.

ISOS: How did you get to Thailand?

By walking.

“We walked for 12 hours that day.“

ISOS: What? Ha?

We traveled to southwest China and entered a town bordering Laos. There we met a villager and he agreed to help us cross the border. The next morning he took us through the mountains to Laos. We walked for 12 hours that day. We arrived in a village where we took a bus to the nearest city. In that city we met someone who helps North Koreans cross over into Thailand. He helped us get a “road ticket” to Ventienne which got us through the check points that our bus passed. From there, we met some fisherman at the river between Laos and Thailand. We told them we wanted to cross and arranged a time. We came back at night and they took us across the river into Thailand. After we arrived we didn’t know where to go. We followed one main street almost all night, for about six hours. We finally arrived in the nearest city. From there we found a bus station and immediately got tickets to Bangkok.

ISOS: How long did this trip take altogether?

It took about ten days. Thats because we spent a lot of time waiting in Laos to get the paperwork. Actually, we only spend 3-4 days traveling.

ISOS: Before you decided to come to Thailand, how long had you been unable to return home?

We were in a homeless situation. Place to place, city to city since 1998. About 8 years.

“Every day, living on the edge of bankruptcy, is how I would describe the general financial condition of a refugee in Bangkok.“

ISOS: What is your situation now in Thailand?

Every day, living on the edge of bankruptcy, is how I would describe the general financial condition of a refugee in Bangkok. Because refugees are not allowed to work, it is particularly hard to find a way to sustain yourself in this country. Fortunately, I was able to work as volunteer at the Bangkok Refugee Center because I could speak English. As a refugee we also receive a monthly allowance from UNHCR, but this income only allows a very limited living standard.

ISOS: What happens if you get sick?

We can receive basic medical care from the clinic at the refugee centre, if a better treatment is needed, we could be referred to a public hospital with the approval from the doctor at the refugee centre.

___________________________

I hope the first half helps you understand asylum seekers and refugees better. Don’t miss the conclusion of this interview with Ryan.