Azrul was just an infant when he was abandoned by his parents and was handed into the care of his grandparents. His grandfather has been bedridden since July 2020 after suffering a stroke, and relies on milk formula for his daily nutrition, as well as adult diapers as he is unable to walk to the bathroom.

Owing to his age and lack of income, Azrul has to look after his grandfather entirely on his own, including getting him in and out of bed, feeding him, and bathing him.

With no formal documents and no way of contacting his parents, Azrul is stateless and is unable to attend public school. He also does not have access to the public healthcare system.

Currently, Azrul rides the bus to the Yayasan Chow Kit learning centre in Kuala Lumpur, where he is part of its alternative education programme.

Yayasan Chow Kit is a non-profit organisation that protects the rights of at-risk children and youths by providing them with meals, activities, therapy, case management, and education.

Through this homeschooling initiative, Azrul is able to learn basic subjects such as English, Bahasa Malaysia, mathematics and social studies.

As he was unable to receive education when he was younger, he is not at the level of comprehension he should be at his age, but this hardworking lad is determined to learn and progress in his education.

When he first joined the centre, Azrul was shy and did not talk much. However, he has slowly come out of his shell, and has since made many friends at the centre who he enjoys playing football with.

Fundraising campaign

In the hope of reducing his burden, Yayasan Chow Kit recently embarked on a campaign to raise money for Azrul.

While they were successful in raising an initial specified amount, the organisation reveals in its latest update on the fundraiser page that Azrul has contracted Covid-19 and has to rent a separate room so as not to further jeopardise the health of his grandfather.

The boy also has to have food delivered as he is unable to interact with his grandfather at this time.

Yayasan Chow Kit continues its call for donations from the public to support Azrul’s and his grandfather’s needs, which includes milk formula, adult diapers, medical costs, accommodation rental, and transportation, as well as medication for Azrul’s speedy recovery from Covid-19.

To help Azrul and his grandfather, visit Yayasan Chow Kit’s Give Asia page and make a contribution.