Helping children in Rumah Hope

Rumah Hope, an almost 26-year old establishment is a sanctuary for children who are abused, neglected, underprivileged; or who come from refugee or Orang Asli families.

“For 25 years, we got by fine. We’ve been blessed to receive regular support which helps us run the place, feed the children, and send them to school. We want to send the kids to school feeling like they lack nothing”, tells Amy D’ Cruz, principal of Rumah Hope.

Besides schooling, children here are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities like dance and art classes. Fees, along with uniforms and supplies are just some of the expenses that get put aside first at Rumah Hope.

Amy continues, “When the children go to school and look at the kid next to them, we want them to feel like they have the same things other children do, and that they are not ‘less than’ just because of their circumstances.”

But the pandemic has hit this children’s home hard. With a high monthly operational cost, fewer visits, and dwindling contributions, the centre is struggling to keep up with all the expenses.