IPOH: What began as a charitable effort to feed the poor eventually grew into a bigger mission for A. Rabeka Maria, who now provides free tuition classes for children from underprivileged families.
The 43-year-old administrator at Arise Shine Assembly Church said her journey to helping young people began in 2022 when she and her team started providing food assistance to underprivileged families.
“One of the recipients approached us and asked if we could provide tuition classes for their children. Not every student can afford tuition, and not every parent has the means to pay for it.
“That’s when the idea clicked and I decided to start this initiative,” she said when met at the tuition centre in Persiaran Buntong Jaya 14 here yesterday.
Her first class began modestly with just five children three years ago but enrolment grew as word of the free classes spread throughout the community.
There are now about 20 students aged between three and 14, she added.
Open to children regardless of race or religion, the free tuition classes cover Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, Mandarin and Tamil.
Besides underprivileged children, Rabeka said she decided to extend the classes to children from families of all income levels who needed academic support.
One of the most rewarding moments she experienced was teaching an 11-year-old boy to read for the first time.
“He could not read when he joined us in 2023.
“After six months of attending our Bahasa Melayu classes, his parents and teachers at school shared with us that he is finally able to read.
“That was a very meaningful moment for me,” she said.
Beyond academics, Rabeka said the initiative also focuses on character-building, with parents giving positive feedback on improvements in their children’s behaviour and confidence.
Besides offering free classes, she said the learning materials are also prepared and funded by the volunteer teachers themselves.
There are currently five volunteer teachers, including a kindergarten owner who teaches English to preschool children.
“We also welcome certified teachers to join us in providing education to these children.” Rabeka said.
She added that the classes are open to all children.
“Our goal is simply to help children with their education.
“We currently have children from many different backgrounds.
“What matters is giving them the guidance and support they need to improve themselves,” she said.
