KUCHING – Fun, food and “duit raya” marked the breaking of fast for about 40 underprivileged children invited to the “iftar” hosted by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus during the recent Ramadan.
The five to 12-year-olds, who arrived attired smartly in “baju Melayu” for the boysand “baju kurung” for the girls, are under the care of two non-governmental organisations Pusat Kebajikan dan Pendidikan Nur Murni, and Biaturrahmah Hidayah Centre IKRAM.
They were treated to a spread of traditional Malay food at the Australian university campus. Some of the children contributed to the entertainment of the evening by performing cultural dances at the start of the breaking of fast, or “iftar”, much to the delight of the audience.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Swinburne Sarawak Professor Janet Gregory handed out “duit raya”, or tokens of money, traditionally given on Hari Raya Aidilfitri which is celebrated to mark the end of the fasting month, to each of the children.
“We’re grateful and thankful that Swinburne Sarawak thought of the less fortunate children during Ramadan,” said Mohd Asraf Rosli of Biaturrahmah Hidayah Centre IKRAM, referring to the hosting of the event by the university.
His sentiments were echoed by Abdul Aziz Bin Bachok of Pusat Kebajikan Nur Murni.
“Gatherings like these give the children the opportunity to interact with the community. We are also glad that these children get to visit an international university as this could encourage them to do well in school and to pursue higher education,” Abdul Aziz said.
Also present at the event was Swinburne Sarawak Registrar and Director of Student Operations, Haji Hussain bin Taiban.
Pusat Kebajikan dan Pendidikan Nur Murni cares for about 70 underprivileged children while Biaturrahmah Hidayah Centre IKRAM runs a children’s home in Petra Jaya.
Swinburne Sarawak works with and contributes to charitable organisations such as the Cheshire Home, The Salvation Army Children’s Home and Sarawak Orphans Welfare Association as part of its efforts in giving back to the community.