UPM students give free tuition to underprivileged kids

UPM students with the underprivileged children of Pangsapuri Ukay Indah who they gave free tuition to. (Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle)

KUALA LUMPUR: On May 24 and 25, a group of students from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) spent their weekend teaching underprivileged children how to read, write and count better.

While not the typical way for young people to spend their weekend, it was certainly a meaningful experience for them and the kids they tutored.

The initiative called “Teach The Needs 8.0” was organised by student council members of UPM’s Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee College in partnership with the residents’ association of Pangsapuri Ukay Indah in Ampang, and supported by FMT.

The initiative is aimed at providing free tuition to underprivileged children, aged seven to 12, with the aim of strengthening their reading, writing and numeracy skills.

The programme also sought to foster stronger ties between the university’s students and the local community, while improving access to education for children from less fortunate backgrounds.

“Regardless of one’s financial status and background, everyone deserves equal access to education,” Khoo Xue Hui, the director of “Teach The Needs 8.0”, told FMT Lifestyle.

Students were given lessons in English, Mathematics and Science. (Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle)

This year, a total of 37 children participated in the programme, guided by 28 UPM students from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The children were taught English, Mathematics and Science – subjects many of them struggle with.

It was also the second time the programme was held at Pangsapuri Ukay Indah.

Khoo, 21, shared that the number of participating children had increased – and she was delighted to see many familiar faces from last year.

UPM student Alia Mazli with one of the underprivileged kids who received free tuition. (Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Among the returning children were brothers, Muhammad Rayyan Zafran Muhammad Al Sidik, better known as Rayyan, and Muhammad Rafiqi Zariff Muhammad Al Sidik, or Rafiqi.

“It’s fun. After learning here, I can remember my school lessons better,” said Rayyan, 10.

His younger brother shared a similar sentiment. “I don’t forget what I learn in school as much. I also enjoyed meeting my friends here,” said Rafiqi, 8.

Their mother, Nur Hasni Syazana Md Sabri, 38, said: “I find this programme beneficial because it helps students make good use of their free time, especially on weekends.

“It also improves their learning. The teaching methods used here might be different from school, so they gain new ideas and approaches to learning.”

Nur Hasni Syazana Md Sabri (in black) with her sons, Muhammad Rayyan Zafran Muhammad Al Sidik (left) and Muhammad Rafiqi Zariff Muhammad Al Sidik, alongside Khoo Xue Hui, director of UPM’s ‘Teach The Needs 8.0’. (Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle)

Meanwhile, this was the first time that Norhafizah Azmi enrolled her son, Mohd Khalis Wafy Mohd Hidhiree, in the programme.

“It’s good because programmes like this help students better understand the subjects they are learning in school. It also gives them an opportunity to interact with others,” said Norhafizah, 34.

“I enjoyed seeing him learning with his friends here, as it helps to build his confidence. In school, he’s usually quiet,” she added.

“I had fun learning with my friends. The teachers were also nice,” said Khalis, 7.

Norhafizah Azmi (right) with her son, Mohd Khalis Wafy Mohd Hidhiree, daughter, Nur Ifty Syahida Mohd Hidhiree and Khoo. (Sheela Vijayan @ FMT Lifestyle)

During the programme, students were treated to a scrumptious lunch, and they went home with gifts: school bags, lunch boxes, Lego sets and stationery items.

Khoo said she hoped their efforts would leave a lasting impact on the children. She also shared that they plan to return to Pangsapuri Ukay Indah next year.

“Education is the only way for underprivileged students to build a better future. With proper education and good SPM results, they have a chance to enter university.

“With a degree, they can secure a decent job and support their families,” Khoo shared, adding that this could help break the cycle of poverty in their lives.