Happiness, being loved and having some sense of belonging are some of life’s greatest joys that many may take for granted, but not the volunteers of Rumah Hope. Loosely translated, ‘Rumah Hope’ means ‘home of hope’, and it is just that; a home where orphans and neglected children can find refuge, security and loving hands to guide them through the hard hand that life has dealt.
It was founded in 1994 and it is run by volunteers from all walks of life who share a passion for positively impacting lives and creating opportunities for brighter futures. The 7,000 square foot home accommodates about 60 children aged between 4 and 17.
During their examination period, Limkokwing students took up this cause and took time off to visit the humble charity in Paramount Garden, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. One of the students, Arvy Harahap (24), an MBA student says he is motivated to participate in charity because it has taught him “to be thankful for everything and how easy as well as rewarding it is to spread happiness to other people”.
The students brought friendship, food and games but the greatest gift they brought with them was their intent to teach the children. They took part in team-building exercises, creative expression tasks, held fun classes on basic arithmetic and even current technology applications, with the aid of iPads.
A lesson that Lucksith Sathmal Nissanka (23), an architecture science student wants to share with the children of Rumah Hope is that, “Life is filled with possibilities that challenge us each day to take a chance”, he urges them to “Try something new and see things in a different way to explore who we are and what we know. So don’t wait till tomorrow to discover something new. After all there is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving that is your own self”.
Limkokwing has a student body of about 30, 000 students from over 150 countries worldwide. Through the Heal the World initiative, these young leaders stand together as a beacon of hope. They have collectively raised funds for many of the disasters that have left millions homeless and injured in an attempt to piece together humanity’s broken spirit in these trying times.
Limkokwing students visited the home for an afternoon to share a simple message with this gesture of kindness; to remind the children that they are not forgotten, that with the right skills and the unending support of their friends and community, they can write a better ending to their stories.
