Rewarding cycle of kindness
Rousing support for varsity’s efforts to help needy students
KUALA TERENGGANU: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s act of kindness towards its student body is being repaid manifold this Ramadan.
Help has been pouring in for the university’s Act Of Kindness (AOK) and Gerobok Rezeki (Cupboard of Livelihood in local slang) initiatives, with many people pitching in to ensure that students’ basic needs are met so that they can better focus on their studies.
Founded by lecturers Dr Nazaitulshila Rasit and Dr Wan Rafidah Wan Abdullah, the AOK was set up last year after word got around that some students were skipping meals so they could stick to their already meagre budgets.
“We heard that some would split a packet of instant noodles for lunch and dinner, while others would go for three days without a proper meal,” Dr Nazaitulshila said.
Realising that this was not healthy, the two started placing a basket each of packed food and water at a common area so students in need could get the sustenance they lacked.
Dr Izan Jaafar from UMT’s Centre for Student Holistic Development and Counselling Centre, who also helps out with the initiative, said the students highly appreciated the gesture.
The initiative set off a cycle of generosity as more people and agencies started contributing.
The two baskets have since been replaced with proper kiosks placed at five strategic areas around the campus.
Dr Izan is also behind Gerobok Rezeki, which shares AOK’s mission but instead of providing readytoeat meals, the cupboard supplies students with dry essential goods, from tinned food to toothpaste.
“Students in need are allowed to take any of these items for free,” she said, adding that the cupboard would be replenished through funds or items donated.
However, some people expressed concern that their good deeds might be taken advantaged of.
“We believe that rezeki (good fortune) will always reach the people who need it the most,” Dr Nazaitulshila said, adding that they had witnessed some students taking more than one item and then passing them to other friends in need.
The steady support from donors and wellwishers has helped both initiatives run sustainably.
“Ramadan is the time to give and the more you give, the more blessings you will receive,” added Dr Nazaitulshila.