From empty stomachs to a future full of promises

 In the Desa Rejang PPR flats, free tuition classes are giving children the chance to learn, eat and grow, giving hope to families that need it most.

Volunteer tutors from nearby universities help students catch up on their studies during the weekly tuition classes at PPR Desa Rejang. (Bani Jamian@FMT)

KUALA LUMPUR:

 In a modest community space at the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) flats in Desa Rejang, Setapak, children gather each week for free tuition classes.

For dozens of children here, these classes offer more than extra lessons — they are a rare safety net for households where every ringgit is stretched thin.

One of a few initiatives by Free Food Society (FFS), a local non-governmental organisation, the weekly sessions cater to primary and secondary school students from low-income families, many of whom would otherwise go without academic support.

For Jeenath Begam Abdul Rahman, whose 15-year-old daughter Nurol Erifeyna Abdul Wahab attends these classes, the programme has been nothing short of transformative.

Once struggling academically, Erifeyna is now showing steady improvement.

“Her academic performance was declining, but thank God, there has been a lot of improvement since she joined these tuition classes,” Jeenath told FMT.

Siti Rozaini Hassan with her daughter Nur Qadirah, who has grown more confident in class since joining the weekly sessions at the Desa Rejang PPR. (Hizami Safri@FMT)

For single parent Zarina Abu Safian, the change in her 14-year-old son Ahmad Khausar Abdul Hafiz has been striking.

“Since joining these classes, he has gone from being an introvert to being more sociable. He has even started cracking jokes at home,” she said with a laugh.

Academically, the change is equally remarkable. “His exam marks have shown improvements, especially in English and Mathematics,” she added.

Ahmad’s dream is simple, yet ambitious — he aspires to be a soldier to defend the country.

Given that the mind can’t focus when the stomach is empty, FFS also provides food before the classes start.

Jeenat sums it up succinctly with her question: where else do you find tuition classes — even those that collect fees — that also serve meals?

Life-changing lessons 

FFS assistant treasurer Rozini Amin told FMT the long-term goal under this initiative is to focus on families with children because education is the pathway out of poverty.

Classes are designed to cater to every academic level so volunteers can tailor the lessons more effectively, and attendance is monitored through WhatsApp.

While the meals and snacks are not substantial, they serve as a critical support for families that face food insecurity.

Zarina Abu Safian with her son Ahmad Khausar, who dreams of becoming a soldier one day. (Hizami Safri@FMT)

“The meals are important because many come to class on empty stomachs. When they are not hungry, they are better learners,” Rozini said.

For parents, the impact extends far beyond report cards — it has set routines and built confidence. The students are motivated, and more importantly, there is hope.

For them, losing the programme is not an option.

“If these tuition classes are discontinued, I really will have no hope left,” Jeenath said — her words a reflection of the entire community’s sentiment.

Another resident at the PPR flat, Siti Rozaini Hassan pointed out that it would be difficult for single mothers. “With our children in the tuition classes, it’s easier for us to manage,” she told FMT.

Jeenath Begam with her daughter Nurol Erifeyna, whose grades have begun to improve since joining the free tuition classes at PPR Desa Rejang. (Hizami Safri@FMT)

For Siti Rozaini, who works long hours as a massage therapist, proximity was what led her to enrol her 14-year-old daughter Nur Qadirah Mohd Saiful.

The boost in confidence she sees in Nur Qadirah now is a bonus. “She used to be too shy to speak, but now she’s more confident, asking questions and showing greater self-assurance.”

How it all started 

It was during the Covid-19 pandemic when former Securities Commission chairman Ali Abdul Kadir and his wife Tina Saw Abdullah witnessed how extensively the education system was failing B40 children.

Many were left behind when pandemic-driven online classes exposed the harsh realities of their living conditions.

Most did not have digital devices, mobile data or wifi to help them keep up with the lessons online. Consequently, many of them still did not have the ability to read, write or count at a level appropriate for their age.

Together with a group of like-minded individuals, some with NGO experience, Ali and Tina set up FFS.

Ali Abdul Kadir (in jacket) and Tina Saw (centre) alongside their team, including Rozini Amin (right) turning education into a lifeline for the Desa Rejang children. (Bani Jamian@FMT)

During the height of the pandemic, Rozini said, donors were more forthcoming with the money, but it whittled down to a trickle when the lockdown was lifted and life returned to normal.

FFS now relies heavily on public support to keep its tuition programme and another initiative that offers free food, going.

Despite the constraints, Rozini stressed, tuition remains a non-negotiable priority. “The tuition component is something we will not reduce,” she said.

The logic is simple — education has always been the bridge between hardship and opportunity. In communities like Desa Rejang, where families struggle daily, initiatives such as these tuition classes remind us that change begins with small, consistent acts of care.

Sustaining this programme means sustaining futures — and with continued support, Free Food Society can keep turning hunger into learning, and uncertainty into opportunity.

Rozini appealed to individuals and businesses to open their wallets for the cause. She pointed out that companies could make it a part of their CSR programme. - FMT

Anyone who wishes to support their mission can send donations to Persatuan Makanan Ehsan’s bank account 5643-2461-7332 at Maybank. All donations to FFS are tax exempt.

For receipts and inquiries, please contact freefoodsociety@gmail.com.