Initiative by students for students
WORKING in collaboration, the Sunway University Business School (SUBS) and Sunway University Philanthropy Office, have introduced the Students Helping Hands initiative.
It provides essential and appropriate financial assistance for deserving students currently enrolled in Sunway University, who are facing financial distress.
The initiative is the brainchild of a group of students from SUBS comprising Janice Lim Siao Min, chairperson of the Students Helping Hands initiative and her team.
With the core value of ‘By Students for Students’, the team hopes to create values and a positive impact for students in need.
“We found out that there are many students who are having a hard time with their daily expenses, causing them to not have a proper meal.
“There are also some who had to defer their studies due to financial constraints.
“So, my team and I had this idea of helping these students,” said Lim in her welcome speech.
The team, she added, uphold the value that every student deserves a high-quality education.
“So, if you can afford a cup of Starbucks every day, you can help a student in need,” she said.
The initiative also serves as a platform for students to help, connect and create awareness among the Sunway community and its alumni on the importance of giving back to the community and society.
Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Elizabeth Lee thanked the team for their effort to take a stand and make a change, to build a brighter future for some of the students at Sunway.
“Every day, around the world, countless children go to school on an empty stomach.
“I am sure most of us know that it is difficult to concentrate on anything when your stomach is growling and rumbling away.
“For these children, having food means not only better nutrition and health, but also increased access to education, and it is a strong incentive for the children’s families to consistently send them to school,” shared Lee.
She said the Students Helping Hands initiative targets Goal number 2: Zero Hunger.
According to Humanitas Global Development, zero hunger and quality education for all by 2030 are ambitious goals.
Feeding programmes that work and have the potential to be expanded and replicated need to be studied and shared.
“All this is in line with the Sunway Education Group’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
SUBS’ Students Helping Hands began collecting funds in January this year, and have since raised approximately RM20,000, with RM15,000 donated by two generous anonymous donors. The team thanks students, staff and the public who have contributed to the fund.
“There is no minimum or maximum amount, give genuinely and cheerfully, from your heart.
“If you are not able to contribute in monetary terms, but know of someone who needs help, please do inform the team from Students Helping Hands,” said Lee.
Philanthropy Office director Datin Raja Riza Shazmin Raja Badrul Shah thanked everyone for the support and effort from the various departments involved.
“Philanthropy is not only about money, but it also is about using whatever resources you have with you. It is also towards a better future for the students,” she said.
Also present at the launch were Sunway University vice-chancellor Prof Graeme Wilkinson, deputy vice-chancellor Prof Pua Eng Chong, dean of SUBS Prof Steve Williams, guests and students.
The Students Helping Hands will begin accepting applications from students in need of aid from January 2020 onwards.