Hope Place steps in to help family caring for two orphans

KUCHING: Hope Place Kuching has stepped in to provide food aid and school supplies to a family in Kampung Tabuan Melayu caring for two orphaned children, while appealing to the public for further support.

The family, which now has nine members, has been facing financial difficulties after Rajuni Sami, 39, and her husband Yusuf, 40, took in Rajuni’s cousin’s two children, aged 13 and 17, following their mother’s death last year.

Hope Place said the assistance was provided following a recent visit to the family, whose household also includes Rajuni and Yusuf’s four children, aged between six and 18, and Rajuni’s 83-year-old mother, Yot, 83.

The couple’s decision to take in the two children came after their living conditions deteriorated while they remained in their late mother’s house opposite Rajuni’s home.

The house was eventually left without electricity and water, while the children struggled to get enough food, prompting Rajuni and her family to bring them into their home.

The family now relies mainly on Yusuf’s income from a shipping company, where he earns RM50 a day when work is available.

Rajuni supplements the household income by selling cold drinks outside their home, while their 18-year-old daughter, Nurul, who recently completed school, is awaiting a response to a job application.

The family also cares for Yot, who has diabetes, knee pain and high blood pressure.

Meanwhile, Rajuni’s cousin’s eldest child, Muhammad Aidil, 17, has been out of school since he was 12.

Hope Place also found during its visit that Aidil had limited literacy skills, while the other children remain in school.

Those wishing to support the family or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can contact 082-505987 or 013-5672775.

Donations can be made to Maybank account 511289001160, with receipts available upon request. The organisation’s Sarawak Pay or SPayGlobal QR code is also available through its Facebook page.