Wawasan Open University (WOU) stepped up to address the needs of the less fortunate in society through its in-house charity effort and visit to the Shan Children’s Home in Taman Inderawasih, Prai.

Credit should go to WOU’s Staff Recreational Club (SRC) for organising this project in which they managed to raise close to RM5,000 from staff, in addition to the few hundred ringgit of funds from the club’s monthly membership subscription.

The 10-member delegation from WOU led by SRC president Dr Andy Liew were received on arrival by Ms. Saras Pillay and her team of volunteers at the Home. They handed over items purchased from among the selection of the Home’s wish list, such as computer and study tables, wardrobes, bed sheets, pillows and beverages.

The University also sponsored two pairs of spectacles for two of the children, and distributed ‘angpow’ to the children and helpers.

At the Home, the SRC led the children in a brief singing session and engaged the younger kids (aged 8-10 years) in a few simple, motivational games. Through activities like arranging words into proper nursery rhyme verses, using newspapers to wrap into a ‘mummy’, and writing their dreams on a sheet of paper and letting it fly like an airplane, the kids were taught creativity, team work, communicational skills and to better understand themselves.

The visit ended with each WOU team member dispersing a few words of wisdom to inspire the kids in facing the challenges of life. The children were encouraged to have confidence in themselves, to adopt a positive mindset, to persistently pursue their dreams and to never give up in life.

After that, the children and volunteers of the Home were treated to pizzas and rice with dishes for lunch.

The Shan Children’s Home – established in July, 2005 - is a residential shelter for neglected children and those from dysfunctional families. An estimated 20 children, with ages ranging from 8 to 18 years, are currently staying in the Home. The children are referred here by the welfare or education department, individuals and the public.

WOU, in the past through the SRC, has handed over donations in cash and kind to 22 children of the Penang Shan Children’s Home in Tanjung Tokong, and to some 200 folks at the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged in Sungai Dua.