Making a Difference in Children's Lives - A Heartwarming Story of Community Support

Here's a heartwarming tale of how a community comes together to make a real difference in the lives of needy children.

For several years, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Wawasan JB (Wawasan), a Johor Bahru-based Charity, has worked tirelessly to support underprivileged families and ensure their children have access to education and essential resources.

Currently, Wawasan provides support to 40 primary school children. Wawasan equips these children with essential resources such as text and exercise books, writing and drawing instruments, uniforms, backpacks, tuition, computer classes, and items required for extracurricular activities. Moreover, Wawasan takes care of any supplementary fees imposed by the school and ensures that the children receive their daily meals at the school's cafeteria.

"We obtain the names of the children needing help from the schools in the area because they know their pupils that require assistance.

"Currently, we are working with four schools in Plentong, Ulu Thiram, Desa Chemerlang, and Johor Jaya, said Lydia Goh, Wawasan's Chairperson.

Once the names and details of the children are given, Wawasan volunteers arrange to meet the families to ascertain what is needed to ease their burden.

"We assess what is required, and often, it is not only the cost of schooling but also the general requirements of the families in the B40 group, with many being single parents," added Lydia.

"By lightening the burden of these families, the campaign not only helps with immediate expenses but also positively impacts the children's academic performance and overall well-being," Lydia continued.

This project has been running since 2021, and for 2024, Wawasan is calling their campaign HOPE 50, reflecting their aim of helping 50 children go to and stay in school.

According to Lydia, the support goes a long way in reducing the stress on students and their families, ultimately leading to happier and more focused learners.

In addition to academic support, the community also extends a helping hand to families in need by assisting with job searches for single parents and offering counselling services for children facing challenges such as reluctance to attend school. This holistic approach addresses educational needs and emotional and social well-being, creating a supportive environment for families to thrive despite their circumstances.

Funding plays a crucial role in sustaining these efforts. Wawasan relies on donations from congregations, local communities, and passionate individuals who believe in the cause.

The campaign's transparent approach to funding, with a clear breakdown of the required amount per child per year, allows donors to see the direct impact of their contributions and encourages ongoing support for the initiative.

"It costs RM600 per year for a primary school-going child. Donors can contribute annually or RM50 per month per child," Lydia revealed.

By coming together to lend a helping hand, a community can demonstrate that even small acts of kindness can make a world of difference in shaping a brighter future for those in need and ensuring that all children, regardless of social background, can achieve their dreams.

Contribute to Hope 50 here: https://sokong.org/donate/campaign/06l4x9DeFDxvrSu5Ya3M

You can read more about Pertubuhan Kebajikan Wawasan JB here: https://sokong.org/articles/wawasan-jb-holistic-welfare-programmes-keystone-of-wawasan-s-unique-community-offering