The Matilda project driven by the Australian International School Malaysia (AISM), which started in 2010 has through the generosity of the school community helped pay for the cost of living of 30 rural children in Sabah to access their primary education by staying in a hostel (Asrama Desa Pukak) during the weekdays. The children would otherwise need to walk from their homes for more than four hours to get to their school. Through this project, AISM has helped to raise more than RM 50,000 yearly for the children. Last year, the school raised RM 80,000 through its annual walkathon and other fundraising events.
Students and staff of AISM have also maintained a close relationship with these children of Sabah. As part of the school’s service learning initiative and commitment towards the Matilda project, students and staff make trips to Sabah. During these trips, they have helped to refurbish the hostel, provided storytelling sessions and taught English as well as other learning activities at the hostel and school. These trips are extremely beneficial to our students who learn so much from the experience and the children.
This year, AISM will be organizing its annual walkathon on 18 June 2014. Those who would like more information on how to sponsor a child’s education and wish to have more details about the walkathon or Matilda project can contact Ms Sheila Martineau at sheilamartineau@aism.edu.my.
For more information on AISM, visit www.aism.edu.my
