She was only 13 then and devastated from being separated from her family. But there was little choice. After her father passed away, her mother struggled to provide for Shaalini and her two younger siblings.
However, Shaalini soon thrived at RKK, improving in her studies and forming friendships with the other children. When she left after completing her SPM examination, she was sobbing again – this time from having to say goodbye to her RKK family.
Today, at 21, she is a preschool teacher, armed with a diploma in early childhood education that she obtained on a Segi University scholarship.
Like Shaalini, Bathmavathy Muniappan Karthikeyan also found hope at RKK. Better known as Ruth, she joined RKK at age 15 after her guardian could no longer care for her. Her father had died, and she was not in contact with her mother.
At RKK, Ruth was inspired to prioritise her studies and her grades improved. Now 30, she instils in her own children the same discipline she learned at RKK. She too is a preschool teacher, having completed a diploma in early childhood education on a scholarship from the Joseph William Yee Eu Foundation.
The experiences of Shaalini and Ruth embody what RKK or “Our Family Home” stands for. Besides providing food, shelter and education, RKK is a safe environment filled with love and guidance, enabling every child to grow with dignity and hope.
“Currently, we have 19 children, aged between four and 17,” Carol Pelly, president of RKK’s committee, told FMT Lifestyle.
Since its establishment on June 1, 1990, over 400 children have found a home here. But today, RKK urgently needs your financial support.
Pelly shared that the home is struggling to meet its operational costs, even for this month. Expenses average RM45,000 to RM50,000 monthly, covering food, staff salaries and utilities, among others.
RKK relies on a grant from the social welfare department as well as donations from individuals and corporations. It also holds its own fundraising dinners.
However, since the pandemic, donations have dwindled, and fundraising has become tough.
One expense they have had to cut was tuition classes for the children. They rely on volunteers instead who come in regularly to guide them.
Education, Pelly stressed, is a priority at RKK to help mould the children into independent adults.
RKK also ensures no child is left behind – slow learners are enrolled in schools that cater to their needs so they can learn at their own pace and discover other talents.
Although RKK comes under the umbrella of the Church of the Holy Family, Kajang and the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Malaysia, the home welcomes children of all faiths.
RKK’s name also carries a deeper meaning – it aims to keep siblings together rather than separate them.
“If we were in their shoes, or if our children had to be cared for by others because we couldn’t afford it, wouldn’t we want them to be under one roof?” said Joseph Netto, vice-president of RKK’s committee.
Over the years, Netto added, the home has welcomed groups of siblings, including one of five and another of three. Today, four siblings are living together at RKK.
Pelly, 55, also expressed gratitude to sponsors The Lost Food Project, which supplies groceries, and educational institutions that provide scholarships so the children can further their studies.
“We are also grateful to all donors over the years, no matter the sum,” added Netto, 68.
Yet, despite such generosity, the need has never been greater. “After more than 30 years of caring for children in need, RKK needs you – now more than ever, as it faces one of its toughest challenges.
“Your donation or time can help us continue caring for the children who call this home. Give hope. Be the reason they smile today. Donate or volunteer with us,” said Pelly.
Donations can be made to Hong Leong Bank account number 2640-0000-446 (Yayasan Ozanam), using the reference ‘rumahkeluargakami’.
Wish to volunteer or visit? Contact 012-227 8727 / 03-3831 0582 or email: [email protected].
Rumah Keluarga Kami
139A Jalan Bukit
Taman Bukit Kajang Baru
43000 Kajang Selangor
Learn more about Rumah Keluarga Kami at its website.