Picture the moment when a talented young soul is handed the key to a university education, but then watches hope fade as financial barriers stand tall.
This heart-touching reality struck Fatin Nur Aqilah Mat Soom, an orphan from Kampung Chuchoh Puteri, who found herself making a tough call – to turn down an offer for her dream education at a public university.
The 18-year-old was granted an opportunity to continue her studies in Painting and Design at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam.
However, due to her family’s dire financial circumstances, Fatin is unable to bear the costs associated with attending university, Sinar Harian reported.
Her mother, Moraini Ismail, aged 52, works as a rubber tapper with a meager monthly income of approximately RM250.
Tragically, Fatin’s father, Mat Soom Abu Bakar, passed away in 2019, leaving the family without a stable source of income.
Pursues Form 6 Instead
Fatin Nur Aqilah expressed her disappointment, stating “My late father, a retired military man, used to receive a monthly pension of RM1,300. However, it is insufficient to cover our basic living expenses, including the monthly rent of RM80 for our house.”
“Without the funds necessary to pay the university entrance fee and afford transportation to Selangor, I am left with no choice but to discontinue my studies and pursue Form Six instead.”, she added.
Speaking at the Jalinan Kasih Pelajar Cemerlang B40 Yayasan Petronas empower ECER Akademik (YPeA) program, Fatin shared her gratitude for the support she received.
She attributed her academic improvement to the YPeA sessions she attended during the 2022/2023 academic year.
Education should never be hindered by financial limitations. It is our collective responsibility to create a more equitable society, where no deserving student is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
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