KOTA KINABALU: School counsellor Maisarah Hannan (pic) would use her own money to buy kuih every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to give to students who had nothing to eat at school.
Guided by the motto “Spread the Love”, she started doing this last year at St Cecilia’s Convent Secondary School in Sandakan.
Maisarah, 34, said her colleagues and friends eventually started chipping in to buy more food for the students.
“I came up with the idea after seeing some students, especially those who were from squatter areas, not having anything to eat.
Food for thought: Bread supplied by Maisarah’s initiative on shelves at her school in Sandakan
“After a few times, many friends started donating to my project. Now, many fellow teachers pass me money to feed the students.
“Before, I only had enough funds to buy about 20 sets of kuih for the students. Now, we can provide 50 meal packets each time, alternating between rice and noodles,” she said.
For Maisarah, who originated from Tawau, the satisfaction of seeing her students happy and fed is rewarding.
“Some students have had to skip school because they do not have money for transport. It is embarrassing for underprivileged students to ask for help.
“One student even cried, saying that she was too ashamed to seek help when we asked her why she did not come to us,” she said.
Maisarah added that she received support from the school to continue the project.
