Such is the case with Dr Siti Noraida Habibullah, the founder of Little Steps, a charitable organisation she set up in 2017 to assist communities in need.

Speaking with FMT recently, she said that even as a little girl, she felt compelled to be of service to those in need.

While she initially believed that pursuing a career in medicine was the best way to fulfil her altruistic aspirations, with time, she gained an understanding that there were multiple avenues to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

She recounted an incident from her housemanship years that opened her eyes to the hardship many faced.

She said the patient was a 24-year-old single mother of two who was suffering from tuberculosis. “I asked my seniors, why can’t we send her back home and they said she needs an oxygen task, something she can’t afford.”

While her colleagues said there was nothing they could do, Noraida thought otherwise.

“I was so frustrated, that I just began going around the hospital and asking friends for small amounts of money to support this patient. I managed to collect enough to buy the oxygen tank, and I was so happy to see her go home to her family,” said Noraida.

With this being her introduction to the world of philanthropy, she began volunteering with various NGOs. Little did she realise that her efforts would lead her to become a crucial part of a larger initiative in the future.

“My lifelong dream was to start an orphanage for young girls. I don’t have a compelling backstory or childhood connection to this, but I simply knew that I wanted to be a mother figure to girls who weren’t in the best environment,” said Noraida.

Today, Little Steps contributes to a variety of charitable causes whether healthcare services, the setting-up of shelter, and international relief efforts.

However, one of its earliest and ongoing initiatives is the Haneen Firdous project, a home for girls from high-risk social and family backgrounds.

“I travelled all across Selangor and Pahang, looking for young girls who needed a better home. I encountered so many children from families struggling with issues like abuse, addiction, and just general neglect,” said Noraida.

Despite the many challenges she faced along the way, she was able to bring these girls to a safe and supportive environment at Haneen Firdous.

“I really wanted these girls to achieve their full potential and I strongly believe that education and love are essential tools for success in this world,” said Noraida with a smile.

What sets this initiative apart is its focus on each girl as an individual in her own right. They offer personalised support, including one-on-one tutoring and character-building activities like playing a musical instrument or learning to swim.

They also encourage the girls to maintain relationships with their families, should they wish to, allowing them to visit home during long holidays.

Another initiative of hers is Klinik Amal Muhajir in Serdang, a collaboration between Little Steps and Hope Spring Welfare Foundation. Set up in 2020, this clinic provides free, high-quality healthcare services to Yemeni, Rohingya, Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Malaysia.

“I think every human being deserves access to healthcare, regardless of their background or financial status,” said Noraida.

That’s why they only charge a nominal RM5 fee for consultations, medications, and examinations, making it affordable for even the most marginalised of communities.

To bring this vision to life, Noraida appealed to her colleagues, a team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, for support.

With their invaluable help, the clinic has been able to offer specialty services like obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychology, orthopaedics, and surgery.

“Running a clinic is expensive, but once again I’m reminded that there are kind people in this world, because this initiative is funded entirely by the public and of course with the help of several doctors,” said Noraida.

Little Steps has successfully completed various projects and continues to work on new ones that aim to provide sustainable solutions for communities locally and globally.

All their projects have been made possible through the generous donations from members of the public.

Support Little Steps by donating today.