Yayasan Chow Kit gets RM50,000 boost to uplift vulnerable children

 Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri thanks the anonymous donor for showing a ‘strong sense of social responsibility’.

(From right) Yayasan Chow Kit founder Hartini Zainudin, FMT executive chairman Nelson Fernandez, women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri and FMT COO Jenn Ngan during an event at the ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya today.

PUTRAJAYA:

 Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri today praised Yayasan Chow Kit and founder Hartini Zainudin for their unstinting efforts to uplift children and young persons from marginalised communities.

“Their unwavering dedication to ensuring every child has a chance at a better future is truly inspiring,” Nancy told FMT shortly after presenting Hartini with an anonymous donation of RM50,000 for the non-profit organisation, channelled through FMT.

The minister also commended the donor, saying the contribution reflected a “strong sense of social responsibility”.

“Public-private partnerships like this play a crucial role in filling gaps in the system and ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.

Nancy also expressed her thanks to FMT executive chairman Nelson Fernandez for being a conduit through which members of the public can play their role in helping downtrodden members of society.

Hartini expressed her gratitude to both the donor and FMT for the contribution, saying that it would go a long way in giving the children under her care a shot at a better life.

“Our mission is to ensure every child’s right to safety, education and a brighter future, regardless of their background.

“Yayasan Chow Kit operates through a holistic approach that integrates child protection, education, health services and community development to address not only the immediate needs of children but also the systemic barriers they face,” she said.

Also present at the event held at the women, family and community development ministry here was FMT’s chief operating officer Jenn Ngan.

Established in 2007, Yayasan Chow Kit offers a safe haven for at-risk children and youths, offering shelter, educational support and life skills training.

The NGO works closely with the Pusat Aktiviti Kanak-Kanak and the social welfare department, serving as a drop-in centre that offers educational enrichment, counselling and recreational activities.

“This is to ensure children remain in school and avoid the risks of street life,” Hartini added.

She said Yayasan Chow Kit works with policymakers, social workers and community leaders to push for stronger child protection policies and legal reforms, especially for stateless and undocumented children.

“Our outreach efforts include educational workshops on child rights, prevention of trafficking and exploitation, and access to health services.

“Through these initiatives, we not only protect children from harm but also empower them to understand and advocate for their rights,” said Hartini.

FMT has consistently highlighted issues affecting marginalised communities, particularly children in vulnerable situations, to raise awareness of their needs and hardships. - FMT