JOHOR BAHRU, May 15 – In a heartwarming display of empathy and civic responsibility, students from R.E.A.L Schools Johor Bahru (RSJB) have raised RM1,140.65 to support Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter (NANAS), a sanctuary in Johor dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals. This initiative underscores RSJB’s commitment to holistic education, emphasising character development alongside academic excellence.
Guided by R.E.A.L CSR Teacher Advisor Helmi Abu Bakar, the students organised a donation drive aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by NANAS. The shelter currently houses over 700 dogs and 300 cats, relying heavily on public donations to cover expenses such as food, medical care, and sterilisation programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated financial strains, making community support more crucial than ever.
“Supporting NANAS aligns with our values,” Helmi remarked. “It’s about helping vulnerable animals and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership among our students.” The initiative also included educational sessions to deepen students’ understanding of animal welfare and the importance of sterilisation in controlling stray populations.
The students’ efforts are part of a broader movement to address the stray animal crisis in Malaysia. NANAS, founded in 1995, operates on a 10-acre site in Johor and has been instrumental in promoting spay and neuter programs to curb the overpopulation of stray animals. Despite their efforts, the shelter faces ongoing challenges, including limited resources and manpower.
Complementing these efforts, the Language Academy at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has launched the “LA-Noah’s Ark Snip to Save PAW-sitive” campaign. This initiative focuses on educating the local community about animal welfare and includes a massive neutering program. Additionally, the “1 Snip, 1 Sapling” movement encourages environmental stewardship by planting a tree for every cat neutered, symbolising a commitment to both animal welfare and environmental conservation.
These collaborative efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in addressing animal welfare issues. Individuals interested in contributing can reach out to Betty Vong Jansen at NANAS and and Lokman Hafiz Asary from Language Academy, UTM to learn more about how they can help, whether through donations, volunteering, adopting a pet or volunteering as a crew.
The RSJB students’ initiative serves as an inspiring example of how education can extend beyond the classroom to foster compassion and social responsibility. Their dedication not only provides tangible support to NANAS but also raises awareness about the broader issues surrounding stray animals in Malaysia
As the community continues to rally around these causes, it’s evident that collective action can lead to meaningful change. By supporting organisations like NANAS and participating in educational campaigns, individuals can contribute to creating a more compassionate and responsible society.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact Betty Vong Jansen from Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter (+6598287844) or Mr. Lokman Hafiz Asary (011-11269441) from Language Academy, UTM.
Prepared by: Lokman Hafiz Asary (Language Academy)