KUCHING: In the heart of Lutong, Miri, lies Rumiah Apei, a community education space that has long given hope to children, especially undocumented individuals.
Developed seven years ago by PACTS Education and the Malaysia Voluntary Welfare Society, better known as NEEDS, this space offers free education to children from Kampung Pasir and a slum area called Pujut Corner.
Situated by the Miri River and surrounded by five villages, the education space currently supports around 80 children from one village and another 40 in Miri town.
Unfortunately, last month, the space was severely affected by floods, making it unsafe for children due to a collapsing roof and damaged walls.
Christina Foo, co-founder of PACTS, mentioned that the recent flooding caused the roof to collapse and severely damaged other parts of the building.
“Since 2022, we have invested between RM10,000 to RM20,000 in renovating the space,” she stated.
“With the recent flood, we have decided that relocating to a safer, more conducive location is the best option for the well-being of the children.”
PACTS provides education for children from preschool age to secondary level, offering them a lifeline and a chance to break free from hardship.
Instead of rebuilding in the same area, Foo and her team have decided to relocate to a safer place that will allow them to extend their reach to four more villages and more children in need.
“The proposed new location is a 10 to 15-minute walk from the current village. Now, we serve only one village, but once we relocate, we can assist four more. With this move, we aim to impact more lives,” she explained.
Expanding outreach through the HOPE Centre Hub, the new facility will include various initiatives to assist underprivileged communities.
The three-storey building, to be named the HOPE Centre Hub, will house a soup kitchen, a medical unit, a youth centre, a preschool, a maker space, and a tuition centre.
Despite their determination, financial constraints remain a major hurdle.
“The flood came unexpectedly and suddenly. As we were unprepared for the costs of moving and setting up a new place, we need to raise some funds first,” Foo emphasised.
They require a minimum of RM147,000 to cover a year’s rent, classroom furnishings, and the establishment of the soup kitchen.
“We appeal to kind-hearted individuals, corporations, and organisations to support this cause. We cannot do this alone. We need your help,” she added, mentioning that all initiatives thus far have been self-funded.
The NGO also runs a department for children with autism and uses fees from paying parents to help subsidise costs for undocumented students.
To support the NGO and its relocation efforts, contact Foo at 014-9606787 or via WhatsApp at 011-33036278.
