PETALING JAYA: Shocked by what he saw in Zanzibar, early last year, a volunteer who took part in Yayasan Salam Malaysia’s (YSM) Humanitarian Mission to Tanzania 2019 is determined to do his best to help those in need.
“The children’s schoolbags were made of plastic used to wrap junk food,” said Abdullah Fahim Mohd Yazid, 25.
He could not hold back his tears as he described their plight.
“I feel sad for them. They even walk barefooted to school,” said Fahim, who was the team leader of this year’s mission.
“Some have to stand outside the classroom during lessons as the place was too small to accommodate all of them.”
He added that, due to poverty, the children, some as young as three, had to work to help their families.
He said they earned just US$0.20 (RM2) a day selling fish that they caught in the sea.
“Children in Malaysia are very fortunate. They do not have to live in such poor conditions as the children in Tanzania.
“The two months I spent in the country really opened my eyes.
“It made me more thankful for what I have, and moved me to help those in need while I can.”
YSM board of trustees member Datuk Mior Kamarulbaid Mior Shahid said six volunteers from the foundation would be in Tanzania from April 29 to June 9.
He said the mission would focus on three main projects — setting up ICT labs at four schools, preparing food packs for Ramadan and Eid celebrations, and promoting education through experimental fun learning.
“Our mission will focus on education, health, community development and disaster relief.
“We have a 40-foot (12.2m) container, which will be shipped by the end of March.
“It will contain computer peripherals, books and stationeries, medicine and clinical tools.
“However, we need help in terms of logistics and the purchase of much needed materials for this mission.
“I am calling for donations to assist us in this mission.
“The public may contribute in kind or cash. A cash donation of RM50 or more will be entitled to a tax exemption.”
The High Commissioner of Tanzania in Malaysia, Dr Ramadhani K. Dau, thanked mission donors.
“I would also like to thank Yayasan Salam Malaysia for their efforts to help the children and people of Tanzania.
“My country is rich with resources, but the economy is weak.
“Hence, people there are very poor.
“Therefore, your generosity means a lot to us,” he added.
Payments can be made via CIMB (account number 8002382416) with the code Tanzania.