I’m writing to share a reflection on my recent volunteering experience in Sabah, where I spent two weeks with Projek Anak Malaysia under the Charisma Movement. This was the program that Ameera and I fundraised RM1,600 for during the Epsom Arts festival last year. What began as an education empowering and teaching initiative quickly unfolded into something far deeper, a journey of connection, growth, and community.
I volunteered at a rural school called SK Temuno Teringai Darat, where electricity and water were both rationed, and we had to sleep in sleeping bags. Of course, it wasn’t only the both of us, we were joined by 15 more volunteers from all ages and backgrounds, some were our peers from KTJ and some coming all the way from UCL on summer break. We all shared the same vision of bringing hope to these children, working tirelessly from 5am until past midnight, reflecting and improving the modules for the most impact given to the children.
Each day was filled with moments that blurred the line between educator and learner. We successfully taught a total of 12 modules like Maths, English, Digital literacy, Public Speaking, SexEd, but most importantly, we nurtured students’ self-esteem. Watching students step out of their comfort zones solving complex mathematical equations beyond their syllabus, speaking up in group activities, and being spirited to dream of pursuing higher education, was profoundly moving. The joy on their faces when they grasped a new concept, the eureka moments of an innovative idea that popped up in mind, or when they shared their aspirations reminded me why education is what truly transforms someone’s motivation in life.
I also visited local villages, where I saw firsthand how this programme impacts families, besides spending a whole day doing a school wide spring clean with the parents too. Many parents had never heard of SBPs, sports schools, vocational schools, international schools, and some were hesitant about boarding schools. Especially with the recent Zara Qairina tragedy, the motivation to further into secondary school is really low. These conversations became bridgesways to share information, offer reassurance, and help families imagine futures beyond the village. According to data from Rotary Club Sabah, PAM has contributed to a surge of over 100% in girls pursuing secondary education, a testament to the power of sustained outreach.
Outside the classroom, the experience was equally unforgettable. We walked 14 km to the beach, yet the hours felt like minutes as we viewed the serene environment, and we stopped by the villages on the way. There were many times when transportation meant cramming into the back of a pickup truck, on bumpy gravel road, making our way to Sungai Ria, rain pouring and faces soaked, and still found joy in the chaos. It was in these moments that I discovered the true meaning of collaboration, adapting, teamwork and resilience.
I would like to give my special thanks to our teachers for believing in us and providing us a platform to fundraise and continue into this community service, the impact it had on the children in Sabah was massive. I would also like to thank everyone who helped in the process of fundraising. I hope the school can continue supporting without batting an eye, for all of Epsomians initiatives as we continue to serve our community.
This experience has sparked something lasting. This academic year, I’ve been given the mandate as President of the Charity Society, as well as one of Rosebery’s service leaders. I plan on working on this year’s initiatives after application season (starting November), and I hope to join the Charisma Movement committee to help build more long-term outreach programmes. Beyond education, the movement also engages with issues like environmental sustainability, journalism, and inequality and I believe there’s immense potential to create a bridge between Epsom and Charisma Movement, so future students can continue this legacy of service. I also hope to be able to continue the outreaches I’ve organised last year, like the Donation Drive with UniKL MIAT, as one of the events for this society.
Thank you for your continued support. This has been a moment of true love in community service, and personally I’m happy, as Epsom allowed me to do what I care and love, and will carry it with me, always!
Lisa M.
Year 13 Student (ECM Scholar)