Adjusting to the new normal is difficult, and adding to the stress is the country’s monsoon weather which is causing mass distress among many, especially those from poorer communities.
Thankfully, this year’s jolly season has brightened up for some 100 underprivileged students from St. Michael’s Institution Ipoh (SMI) who received essential goods from the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Malaysia.
Among the basic goods distributed at the student welfare programme were stationeries and daily necessities such as rice, masks, hand sanitisers as well as school bags.
The welfare initiative was a collaborative effort between UPF Malaysia and Ajar-ajar Malaysia in conjunction with the ‘Circle of Light’ project to alleviate the plight of affected families.
The ‘Circle of Light’ project is the work of UPF and corporate sponsors and donors to provide essential items such as noodles, eggs, rice, oil, canned food and sugar to help the poor navigate this tough terrain during the economic turmoil.
Thirteen-year-old Arif expressed his gratitude towards the aid his family received. “I was extremely happy when my teacher told me that my family will be receiving the food items as it has been a tough time for us since my father lost his job last year. It was getting difficult for my parents to support my three siblings and I.”
School counsellor Mr. V. Ravindran said the students were reviewed from the counselling unit list consisting of deserving B40 families who have been living on the edge due to the pandemic.
The Deputy President of UPF Malaysia, Tan Khim Lai expressed, “I hope this programme will boost their spirit in welcoming the new year. A fresh start can prepare them for the year ahead.”
During the thank you speech, the principal of SMI, Sit Wai Yin, highlighted that this was the first time the school received aid from NGOs on such a big scale. He expressed appreciation to the organisers for offering a helping hand to the needy students.
Anyone who would like to lend a hand in aid activities may contact Letchumanan at 012-5549211 or Carol Cheng at 011-33031028.
Gisele Soo
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