Dressed for Success: BDP Malaysia donates new uniforms to 'Back-to-school' program

The development of a nation can be impacted by numerous factors, ranging from domestic and international politics, issues of human rights and freedom, and the nation’s access to resources. One of the most influential factors contributing to a nation’s development is its citizens’ access to quality education. Education is a pillar of modern society and key to inspiring active participants in local communities.

Education starts at young age and every child should have an equal opportunity to learn and excel. As the proverb says, 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’ But how is a fisherman to fish without the proper supplies? 

With this in mind, our team here in Kuala Lumpur decided to step in and provide the children with supplies to set them up for success in school. Together, we collected MYR 6000 (USD 1250), all of which we donated to a “Back-to-School” program run by local non-profit organization Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK). Through the program, 62 school children - ranging in age from kindergarten to secondary school - received new uniforms, shoes and stationary.

Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK) is a non-profit organization that caters to the needs of children in and around Chow Kit, a sub-district in central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They run two drop-in centers and one safe home for children in need of temporary guardianship. Through their outreach centers, YCK aspires to tackle issues affecting the local community such as access to education, foster care and adoption, homelessness and abuse, among others. YCK provides children with a safe space and the support they need to help each child reach their full potential. In addition to educational programs, they also host an array of activities such as games, sports, art classes and other recreational activities - even motivational speakers.