“Lift Me Up” Education Assistance Fund and Refurbished Laptop Giveaway

Written by: Wan Tan

On October 8, 2022, WFWP Malaysia teamed up with the Association for Community

Development and Education of Kuala Langat District (PPPM) to organize a "Lift Me Up"

education assistance fund and refurbished laptop giveaway in Banting, Selangor.

The event took place at Seri Maha Mariamman Hall and was attended by 35 participants including youth, students, and parents. Under WFWP’s education empowerment initiative, ten outstanding college students from deserving families were selected as beneficiaries. Eight of the ten received a refurbished laptop, and two received assistance funding.

WFWP Malaysia President Mdm Lina Cheng encouraged the youth to dedicate themselves to exciting goals and defined objectives in pursuing their dreams. Mdm Cheng stated, "

Poverty is an obstacle to overcome, and it should spur the recipients to do well in their studies so they can rise above the water.” She advised them that when they got jobs or started successful businesses, they must never forget to help others in need and to give back to society by doing community service.

Mr. Gopinaathan Arunachalam, President of PPPM also shared an inspiring message and

motivated the students to work hard, not only to excel in academic studies but also to become better people of character who give back to society. During the presentation ceremony, Mdm Lina Cheng handed over the laptops and assistance funds to the participants together with Mr. Gopinaathan and his wife, Mdm Priya.

The participants were near tears upon receiving the much-needed laptop for their studies. Many

students in Malaysia, even in the most developed state of Selangor, could not afford to own a laptop to pursue their education. They have been struggling to cope with presentations and assignments using their smartphones.

“I have been doing all my college assignments with my smartphone, which my three younger siblings are also taking turns to use for studies and homework,” said Yashri, 18, one of the participants. “With the rising cost of living, my parents could not afford to provide a computer for us. The laptop will definitely make learning much more convenient and easier for all of us,” she added while thanking the organizers.

WFWP believes in the power of education to change lives. In this era of information technology and virtual learning, the computer serves as one of the most essential tools for gaining access to education. The “Lift Me Up” project seeks to source pre-loved laptops from willing donors and pass them on to needy college students after refurbishment.

WFWP Malaysia thanks PPPM and all sponsors, especially WFWP International, as well as the volunteers who contributed to the success of this program.