Underprivileged children’s education has been an active discussion at my dining table for years now. Throughout my schooling years, I hardly truly learnt the true definitions of being underprivileged. My family was not rich, but at the very least my parents knew the importance of education and had ensured that we prioritise our studies throughout our schooling years. This itself, is a privilege not every child in my country has.
A very horizon-expanding trip for me took place back in 2017. I took a flight to Sabah, one of the less developed states in Malaysia, and entered the rural areas with some other volunteers. That was the first time I learned about an actual challenge faced by most children there- familial commitments are often prioritised over education.
Most families there farm for a living. To some, children are an additional manpower for the profit they can make, in order to put food on the table. Learning that the lack of awareness of education being a long-term key to escape the poverty trap greatly saddened me.
There, I met Mr. Ooi, who runs a hostel for children in the area to help those living far too deep in the remote areas go to school. Years ago, he let go of his stable, high-paying career in the capital city after realising his values lie with selfless contribution to build stronger communities where poverty is severe.
I felt fortunate with the privileges I have had since young. I have thus frequently taken part in charitable English engagement sessions my college held with refugee children. Despite not being able to return to the remote community in East Malaysia, I remained active to contribute to underprivileged children.
I believe that there is a capacity to give more to those who need it, to inspire children to know their worth, to help them dream bigger. To help others dream is my dream, as inspired by Mr. Ooi.
I recognise that when we come together, there is a lot more we can do. And I want to play a part to help more children receive proper education, to help them dream bigger rather than being limited by the circumstances they were born into. This stretches over the next few decades for me- I see myself initiating projects to build hostels or schools for kids. volunteering to teach. linking them with volunteers who would share their success stories.