Helping them out of poverty

Kam Yoke (front row, third from left) and the Jinjang Utara longhouse residents in front of the new vehicle donated by HELP University.

FOR the past four years, a private university has been helping about 100 urban poor families improve their socio-economic conditions.

The families have been receiving free tuition, clothes, essentials and school uniforms through the HELP University – Jinjang Utara Rumah Panjang Literacy and Numeracy Programme.

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) project by HELP University is aimed at uplifting the longhouse residents who have been living in poverty for decades.

The area is notorious for crime, drug abuse and gang fights. Growing up in a such an environment, the children – many of whom come from broken homes –became easy prey for gangs.

“Through the programme, HELP students are also coaching and giving free tuition to about 60 primary and secondary school students.

“Through our efforts, we aim to improve the social and educational status of the Rumah Panjang community in Jinjang Utara,” said HELP University Group chief executive officer Datin Chan Kam Yoke.

Education is the key to success, said Kam Yoke, adding that because of the free tuition in English, Mathematics and other subjects, the longhouse children have shown marked improvement.

HELP University has even gone the extra mile by donating a Toyota Innova which will be used to ferry the students to school. Otherwise they would have to walk long distances or pay high charges for private transport.

Kam Yoke said HELP University was informed of the longhouse residents’ dire situation by Acts Global Networking (AGN), an NGO that helps poor families.

“We initially started the tuition classes at the longhouse. We are now planning to rent a place near their homes so that they do not have to be ferried to HELP University. Our students will go there to conduct the classes,” said Kam Yoke.

AGN leader Raymond Mooi said, “The students have made great progress in their studies after HELP stepped in. Their proficiency in English has improved and they are more motivated to study.

“HELP’s support has transformed the lives of these families. HELP has also pledged to assist students who do well by giving them scholarships to continue their education at the university.”

HELP International Corp executive director Adam Chan, who is also a patron of the CSR project, commended AGN for its tireless work in helping the longhouse residents.

“When HELP University approached us in 2015, it was an answer to our prayers as the children really needed help.

“We are so happy to see their progress. The interest shown by HELP has strengthened the children’s desire to do well and aspire to a better future,” said Pastor Mary Ramamoorthy who assists and advises the residents.