RM25k fund could propel deserving student Wee Nee to a brighter future

AS the month draws to a close, the window to nominate a child for the Dutch Lady #DanaRM1JutaHarapan campaign is narrowing quickly. Offering a total of 40 Skim Simpanan Pendidikan National (SSPN-i) education funds worth RM25,000 each, the total fund valued at RM1,000,000 represents a valuable opportunity for children who may otherwise be unable to further their education.

Thus far, 20 winners have been announced, with a total of RM500,000 awarded, alongside 80 consolation winners who each received a smart device to help them with their online learning. More updates can be found on the campaign website.

With only a day before the closing deadline of 30 May, hopeful nominees – like 14-year-old Lim Wee Nee from the Salvation Army Children’s Home in Kuching – are waiting with bated breath.

Nominated by Dr Chong Pek Lin, a retired teacher and Tokoh Guru Sarawak 2018 who has imparted knowledge for 38 years, Wee Nee was a natural choice, with her strong academic performance, and skill in singing and music. However, these strengths come from a well of pain, as Wee Nee was placed in the home at the age of 6 when her mother was incapacitated with cancer (subsequently passing away 4 years later) and her elderly father was unable to care for her.

Coping with grief, separation and feelings of abandonment was a difficult journey, but Wee Nee, now 14, has blossomed into a confident young woman who is helpful, compassionate, and eager to help. She loves to learn and is known to be a hardworking, smart and responsible young lady. Filled with a passion to excel in her academic performance, she is always enthusiastic to learn and gives her best. She is not afraid to ask questions during lessons and is very independent in doing her own revision and completing her homework.

Wee Nee plays the ukulele and piano, has a lovely soprano voice and is a regular performer or emcee at the many concerts organised at the home, many of them under the guidance of Dr Chong herself. In Wee Nee’s own words, “When I sing, I forget my worries.”

However, despite her love of music, Wee Nee’s true ambition is to teach. She is particularly strong in maths and science and dreams of pursuing a university education so she can teach science, with a focus on chemistry.

Given Wee Nee’s situation, with an aging father who lacks the means to support her studies and the home only being able to care for the children until they finish their studies in secondary school, further education seems an unattainable goal. Hence, winning the education fund would go a long way towards fulfilling this dream.

“I believe that Wee Nee will make an excellent teacher. Besides her experience as a tutor in the home, she has a natural nurturing instinct, going out of her way to comfort younger children when they are distressed,” said Dr Chong. “She also demonstrates maturity – during a trip to a longhouse in Engkilili last year which had experienced a devastating fire, Wee Nee helped to run educational sessions for the children there. When asked how she felt about the experience, she related that it was fulfilling and that it made her realize how fortunate she was to be able to grow up in the Salvation Army Children’s Home.”

Speaking on behalf of the campaign organisers, Tarang Gupta, managing director of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad said “Dutch Lady has always been committed to giving children a strong start in life, with nutritional dairy products that support children through different stages of development. We also believe in the value of holistic growth, with a nurturing environment so that children can reach their full potential. In this way, the Dutch Lady #DanaRM1JutaHarapan campaign is our way of helping to make a difference in the lives of children.”

In closing, Dr Chong added, “Children like Wee Nee have so much passion in them and deserve the chance to pursue their dreams. Given the opportunity for further education, they can stand tall and spread their wings for the whole world to see the amazing potential they have within them.”

For more information on the Dutch Lady #DanaRM1JutaHarapan campaign or to nominate a child before 30 May 2021, visit www.smartmoments.com.my. – The Vibes, May 29, 2021