Cyberjaya, 9th July 2021 – With the pandemic affecting many communities, the students of the University of Cyberjaya found ways to reach out and contribute to the needy. The university takes pride in its active clubs and societies. 2 of them stood out over the past months for their humanitarian works – Kelab Penyayang and Harmoni Cyberjaya.
Kelab Penyayang is a club committed to give back to communities in need with a spirit of love, volunteerism, and compassion. The club teamed up with Prestige Laundry Malaysia during Ramadan to lend a helping hand to charity homes. The local cleaning business offered to gather second-hand items from the public and sanitise them before distribution. Prestige Laundry Malaysia thoroughly washed, folded, and packaged items completely free of charge thanks to the good relations between both parties.
Their efforts benefited a total of 373 individuals in 5 charity homes namely Pusat Jagaan Cahaya Kasih Bestari, Persatuan Rumah Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Dan Ibu Tunggal Hajah Kamariah, Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim dan Miskin Sungai Pinang and Pusat Jagaan Al-Fikrah.
Kelab Penyayang and Prestige Laundry Malaysia were also assisted by volunteers from My Heart Association, My Fund Action, Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Dapur Aktivis Ummah during that time.
In less than 3 weeks, monetary and essential item donations totalled up to more than RM10,000 thanks to non-governmental organisations, religious institutions, and members of the public. The monetary funds collected managed to provide homes with a CCTV set, educational kits, children’s wardrobes, household items, cleaning products, food supplies and more. In fact, the funds were also used to contribute to educational fees for orphans too.
Director of Kelab Penyayang, Nurul Batrisyia Binti Romizan said: “I definitely did not expect for us to raise this much money, because the Ramadhan Donation Marathon merely started as a project to distribute essential second-hand items to the needy.”
“For future events and activities, we will be putting a lot of time and effort in helping Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Terencat Akal Malaysia (IQ70 Plus) which encompasses of 74 individuals with intellectual disabilities. We've signed a memorandum with them and plan to aid the home in any way we can in the coming years,” she added.
Harmoni Cyberjaya is also a society established to encourage students to play an active role in society with leadership and volunteerism. Determined to lighten the spirits of others during the pandemic, the society organised a virtual Ramadan Fiesta with informational webinars, religious events, and food distributions.
These events were organised by 14 committee members and almost 200 students participated to make the events a success. Their food distribution campaign, Iftar for Siswa donated 100 packs of food to the hostel students at the Varsity Lodge every Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the month of Ramadan for breaking fast. These food packs were sponsored by Tabung Amanah Zakat dan Kebajikan University of Cyberjaya. The campaign benefitted all students who needed food aid during this time.
Director of Harmoni Cyberjaya, Maisarah binti Zainal Fitri said: “It has been more than a year that we have been adapting to the new norm. All the events conducted during Ramadan Fiesta were beautiful and enjoyable. Although we could not do a lot of things together physically, I believe we managed to enliven the vibe of Ramadan among students. We’re grateful for the great support from the university and all students.”
The University of Cyberjaya provides a rich university experience with over 30 exciting student clubs and societies. The university nurtures leadership attributes and skills through events and activities for self-development to be applied in the workforce as graduates.