HWUM students start charity football match for Fugees School

In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, students from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) organized a charity football match in support of the Fugees School, highlighting the transformative power of education and collective action.

The Fugees School, located in Kuala Lumpur, faces significant challenges due to limited resources and financial constraints, hindering its ability to provide quality education and holistic support to refugee children. Recognizing these obstacles, HWUM students, under the EmPOWER Programme, orchestrated a charity football match on 7th March 2024, aiming to raise awareness and vital financial support for the Fugees School.

The event transcended beyond a mere football match; it symbolized unity and empathy. Through this noble initiative, a total of RM6,590 was raised, reflecting the collective efforts of the community to support education and drive positive societal change, particularly benefiting refugee children striving for a better future.

Fudhail Akhtar Fakhrul Anwar, the mastermind behind the charity football match, emphasized the transformative power of education, stating, “Education fosters personal growth, encourages community engagement, and makes a significant societal impact.”

From pitch to purpose

The football match itself was a spectacle of determination and teamwork. With 26 players from both teams – HWUM undergraduates and students from the Fugees School – the TSI Mini-Stadium in Cyberjaya buzzed with electrifying energy. Spectators, including members of the public, HWUM students, and local schoolchildren, filled the stadium, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

The match was highly competitive, showcasing resilience and determination from both sides. The halftime score of 2-2 underscored the game’s intensity, emphasizing the players’ never-give-up attitude. While HWUM students displayed their skills, they also dedicated themselves to uplifting the Fugees School children. The Fugee School’s eventual 3-2 victory epitomized perseverance and hope against all odds.

Bowen Chew, a first-year student in actuarial science at HWUM, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The event drew a large crowd and provided an enjoyable yet competitive experience. It showcased our dedication to equal opportunities, especially benefiting the refugee students.”

Empowering through sports

Kudzai Charlton, Head of Education at Fugees School, commended the tangible impact of these initiatives, highlighting HWUM students’ commitment to creating a brighter future for all. Special acknowledgment was extended to Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of HWUM, for his leadership, as well as to Associate Professor Jasmine Low, Assistant Professor Renuga T. Rethinam, and Assistant Professor Rohaya Daud, along with staff from HWGCM, and Marques Jeevan Menon, the EmPOWER programme director.

These initiatives exemplify the essence of unity and compassion, reminding us that beyond our differences lie shared values of empathy and solidarity. As we celebrate these efforts, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting education and empowering communities, for every child deserves the chance to dream and thrive.

By coming together through sports, education, and collective action, we can turn aspirations into reality and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable tomorrow.