'Projek PRIHATIN' reaches out to the homeless
Malik Ridhwan
March 3, 2016 08:02 MYT
March 3, 2016 08:02 MYT
Projek PRIHATIN aims to nurture the spirit of sharing and caring among the Malaysian community in the United Kingdom. - Photo by London UMNO Club
Who would have thought that our fellow Malaysians would be so caring towards the homeless in the United Kingdom?
This small community group of our beloved nation recently showed what Malaysians are truly made of – the spirit of sharing and caring.
About 80 Malaysian volunteers organised Projek PRIHATIN aimed at nurturing the Malaysian community and students in the UK to have a broader mindset on the less fortunate around the Greater London.
Malaysia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Datuk Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi with volunteers of Projek PRIHATIN at the Malaysia Hall in Queensborough Terrace, London. - Photo by London UMNO Club.
Projek PRIHATIN is a new initiative by the London UMNO Club and supported by IKRAM United Kingdom & Eire, IKRAM Care and Relief UKEire and United Kingdom & Eire Council of Malaysian Students (UKEC).
The first series of the project kicked off in London recently with the theme ‘Mendekati Gelandangan, Semaikan Senyuman’ (Approaching the homeless, instilling smiles).
According to project director Izzat Fahimuddin Mohamed Suffian, a PhD student in Nanomedicine at Kings College London said he aims to encourage the volunteers especially students to be an all-rounder.
“It is important that volunteers participating in charitable events such as Projek PRIHATIN to nurture the thought of being caring towards others who are less fortunate,” said Izzat.
As many as 200 packs of food comprising bread and biscuits were distributed to the homeless around Paddington, Oxford Street, Victoria, Piccadilly Circus and Angel vicinity.
Dr. Aisyah Ismail, one of the volunteer posted a status update on her Facebook saying “We walked for almost 3 hours in 4 degree Celsius from Paddington to Oxford Street to feed the needy and homeless. Touched by my husband tazkeerah at the end of the program. We can’t change their condition in one night, but at least we can change our hearts.”
London UMNO Club Chairperson Afeera Amran said, the project reflects upon the Malaysian community and students to being a proactive an an integrated community.
“The slogan We are Malaysian, and We Care, hence gives Malaysia a positive image. This program, gave us all an impact on our lives. It was a huge success and InsyaAllah, I have high hopes that the Projek PRIHATIN series will continue in the next few phases in the future,” said the second year Law student of University of Essex.
Plans for the next Projek PRIHATIN are underway and will be expanded to the Southern part of UK with different themes but focus remains in volunteerism and charity work.