Sponsor A Child Through PERTIWI

I've recently become quite involved with PERTIWI's Soup Kitchen, and have been quite impressed by the ladies' values and dedication. While PERTIWI (Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam) is an Islamic association first, they provide assistance regardless of race and religion.

PERTIWI has a little known child sponsorship programme called Projek Anak Angkat (Orphan Project), which has been in operation since the 1970s. Graduates of the programme have gone on to attend university and begin their own careers. As a believer in child sponsorship, I'm surprised that I hadn't heard of the programme. I hope this blog entry will help others find it.

Projek Anak Angkat aims to ensure that needy children are able to have a proper education to give them a better chance of lifting themselves out of poverty. PERTIWI liaises directly with schools, who identify children in need. This ensures that the money donated is used solely for the sponsored child's educational needs.

Website: http://www.pertiwi.org

Sponsorship amount: RM40/month

For more information, please contact PERTIWI at 03-7874 4203.

How to Help Victims of Natural Disaster in Japan

Many were devastated by the recent devastation in Japan, and the rest of the world mourns with them. What's brilliant is that so many want to help and do something to make a difference. Unfortunately, not many know how.

The following is a (short and in no way comprehensive) list of Malaysian aid organisations that will be assisting by sending aid. For non-Malaysians, I suggest you Google their international counterpart, or Google for your local aid organisations and contact them.

1. Red Crescent (www.redcrescent.org.my)
   The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) has set up an International Relief Fund account at Maybank to collect donations from the public to assist those affected by national disasters. Maybank account number: 5144 2210 2657. All donations are tax exempt. You can also find out how to volunteer.
2. Mercy Malaysia (www.mercy.org.my)
   Mercy Malaysia is a well established Malaysian NGO, which has shown dedication in providing international relief efforts time and again. I'm continually impressed by their dedication and efforts. As with MRCS, there is further information for those who want to do more and volunteer their time.
3. World Vision Malaysia (www.worldvision.com.my)
   World Vision is also accepting donations to help victims of the natural disasters in Japan.
4. Force of Nature Aid Foundation (www.forceofnature.org)
   Force of Nature (FON) was set up to help rebuild communities affected by natural disasters. Their involvement is less in the aftermath, and more when things settle down. FON commits to funding projects initiated by local communities aimed at sustainably improving their living standards and situation. A worthy cause.

The things that victims of natural disasters are usually in need of the most are perishable necessities, i.e. food and water, diapers, baby formula. Some items that could help are flashlights, blankets, mosquito nets, basic first aid items.

Please bear in mind that some organisations don't like accepting donations in kind that have not been explicitly requested for. This is usually due to logistics reasons, and it may be more efficient to send money and purchase items at/near the site itself.