You Are Not Alone: Restoring Hopes and Increasing Optimisms of Underprivileged Single Mothers and Families through Philanthropy

Abstract

As an APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) University, Universiti Sains Malaysia
(USM) aspires to become a ‘humaniversity’ role model. It plans to achieve this by consistently
reaching out and engaging the bottom billions of the socio-economic pyramid. In 2011, the
School of Distance Education (SDE) and School of Communication initiated three philanthropic
programmes aimed at improving the lives of underprivileged single mothers and families. The
first programme, which was held at the Dewan Millenium Kepala Batas, successfully provided
aid to 300 underprivileged individuals identified by the external collaborator of this programme;
Persatuan Kebajikan Delima Kasih Pulau Pinang. The next programme held at Padang MPSP
Ampang Jajar involved another 300 underprivileged single mothers. In the third programme in
Kampung Nelayan Sg. Batu, Teluk Kumbar, 50 individuals representing poor families were
provided with assistance. From the implementations of these programmes, the team has grown
to understand that continuous support from various philanthropic quarters through their
corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives is essential in its continuous efforts of helping to
eradicate poverty. The team has also learnt that financial assistance does not remain the
essential ingredient in poverty eradication. This article discusses the success story of how USM
through the Division of Industry and Community Network (DICN) has successfully matched and
pooled facilities, funding and resources from the University and industries to benefit
underprivileged single mothers and families. This act of providing underprivileged single
mothers and families with resources and funds were aimed at helping them to achieve and
maintain a sustainable livelihood.