A bite to eat and a book to read
> Group hosts breaking fast event followed by literacy class for children
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid the loud traffic along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, children as young as four excitedly donned their prayer attire after breaking fast behind a building yesterday.
With the assistance of Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) volunteers, prayer mats were laid out before the start of a three-hour art and reading class at the loading bay of Alka Ria Textile.
School books, crayons, pens and children’s sized-tables were placed on mats adorned with alphabets that are usually used in kindergartens.
Oblivious to passers-by, the children attempted to write their own stories about the upcoming Hari Raya.
An eight-year-old girl was struggling to pen her thoughts, and kept peeking at her friend’s work. Their teacher, a teenager, sees this and patiently guides the girl with a list of activities for the event.
“I was one of them, so I know it can be difficult to focus as they’re still young,” said the 15-year-old, fondly known as Dayang.
“I learned about BJCK as I walked with my mother here one evening. We wondered why there was so much fuss with people queuing for food. Later, I understood free classes were conducted too. My mother decided I should join them since I needed help with my UPSR exams.
“I’m luckier because we have a home – other parents are still struggling (financially),” she said.
Siti Rahayu Baharin, one of BJCK’s founders, said the children are not homeless, but are from lower-income families.
“Some believe that Chow Kit is a centre for the homeless. Yes, there are a few living on the streets.
“But they consider this area their kampung. It’s only that they’re oppressed by economic factors. For instance, a room rental here is expensive – RM25 per day.
She added the classes, which is conducted on Friday and Sunday evenings, offers hope for the community.
“Do you think through these two-day classes we can change their academic performances? No, we can’t. We wouldn’t be able to do so.
“But, why are we still here? Because we want to give them hope despite their predicament. That it is possible to move forward,” she said.