WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPACT THE LIVES OF OTHERS? TRY GIVING.
The issue of education has been debated countless times in the Indian community. It plays a crucial role in forming the moral quality of society and is the primary basis for people to develop a diverse nation in terms of economy, politics, social, science and technology.
It is our belief that every child deserves quality education. We underst and that it is expensive and difficult for many families to send their children to college or university. The Malaysian Indian HOPE Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for qualified students to achieve their dreams. It is our mission to partner with organisations to inform and advise parents about accessible means to make higher education affordable.
We aim to undertake projects under the educational framework, which focuses on benefiting underprivileged children, with the primary objective of promoting quality education and holistic development, thereby bridging educational inequity. It’s my firm belief that when you educate youth, society changes. Youth have this tremendous power to change the socio-cultural fabric of a nation.
However, the cost of quality education is not affordable for many people. As a result, parents have difficulty in paying their children’s college or university fees. It is unsurprising that most Indians label education as an expensive entity.
Many children have the aim to attend university, but the high cost is a hindrance to their desire.
The high number of school dropouts or students’ inability to continue their higher education due to lack of financial support is a common issue among Malaysian Indians.
Students face the risk of dropping out if they cannot settle the college fees, despite the fact that they are exemplary students. Practically, many students struggle to accomplish their education goals. Money is the greatest obstacle to these individuals, who deserve to be well educated. The right to a decent education should not be determined by monetary aspect alone.
In line with this, the Malaysian Indian HOPE Foundation is looking out for great opportunities to secure educational funds. I would enthusiastically and proactively seek and apply for such funds. All these efforts are to realise a wish to help students live up to their potential.
Any nation, charitable institution or society that wants to eradicate poverty should first start with the step of providing education. It is because education is the key that opens the golden gate to a brighter future. Education enlightens, empowers and enables people to understand different situations so that they can take corrective actions.
Children are the future of a nation. They require proper care and attention regardless of their family backgrounds. Special attention needs to be given to children from economically backward groups. To eliminate poverty and to improve the standard of living, it is necessary to provide the poor people with education as they cannot afford it. With education, one will have access to great opportunities and lead a better life. Education thus makes children significant citizens of the nation.
The Archipelago Group and the Malaysian Indian HOPE Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding to carry out corporate social responsibility projects to “help students to live their potential”.
One such promising student is Harishaa Thangarajan, who intends to pursue a Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) (Hons) at the Manipal International University, Malaysia.
For those of you who are not aware, the Malaysian Indian HOPE Foundation is established under the Prime Minister’s Department to cater for, among others, the educational needs of the Indian society.
However, in today’s economic conditions, it is difficult for the Malaysian Indian HOPE Foundation to meet those needs singlehandedly. Professionals and financially able individuals, as well as organisations, must come forward to help develop the community. It is time for us to come together to create a change. The empowered must come forward to empower others. Only through education can we achieve that objective. It is us who must create the change that we desire.
In closing, let me say that many may never know my name or remember me. May or may not. But history will record it, that there lived a man, there lived a woman, who helped Harisha realise her potential. The woman referred to here is Ms. Selvi Thangveloo, the mother of Harishaa.
“Shine your light and make a positive impact on the world, there’s nothing as honorable as helping to improve the lives of others. The simple act of giving can have a positive impact far greater than anything thought possible”.