  | George Elliot, an English novelist, once said, “Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” That is the main aim of Annai Illam Charity Home – to be the ‘mother’ to the less fortunate by providing them with endless love, care and education for a better tomorrow. On 16th of October 2011, a group of students (Nor Arieniadriena, Dave, Iffah, Rashvin and Aaron) from the Academic English class (conducted by the Language Center at SEGi University College) visited the Annai Illam Charity Home located at 42B, Jalan PL/2, Taman Laksamana Permai, Off Jalan Sungai Tua, Batu Caves. The group brought some food and daily necessities for the Home. The students stayed back to play games, sing, dance and made muruku (an Indian delicacy) with the children and single mothers. Nor Arieniadriena, the group leader, said that the whole experience was an eye-opener and the hours spent with those at the Home were very rewarding. One of the group members said, “I never thought a simple donation of clothes, food and even chocolates could bring smiles to these children and mothers.” Another added, “This visit is an experience that I will never forget, not in this lifetime.” As the old saying goes, ‘Sharing is indeed caring.’ The Home makes sure the children are well fed and given tuition classes to assist them with their studies. It also assists single mothers in their daily lives and helps them to generate more income for their families. The team interviewed Mohd. Hajah Ahmad, the guardian of the Home, who explained that children need support and motivation in everything that they do. This is because abandoned and abused children feel lack of love. Most of the time, they end up feeling depressed. This is where Annai Illam plays its part. The Home regularly organizes field trips during the weekends to occupy the children’s time, prevent them from mixing with the wrong company and also to expose them to society. Above all, Annai Illam tries to create a homely environment where everyone loves each other like their own family members. Hajah Ahmad explained that Annai Illam means ‘mother’s love,’ adding that every child deserves love. The Home also extends assistance in the form of school bus fares, uniforms and books. |
