Sariah (centre) with Great Heart Charity Association social workers Phoebe Lim Jia Hui and Intan Aida.
Single mother Sariah Tompang had a passion for cooking and wanted to start a business this year.
However, because of financial constraints and her visual impairment, she found that getting started was challenging.
Great Heart Charity Association, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), stepped in to help her achieve her dream through its business start-up programme.
During an assessment session, Tham Kar Ting, a social worker from Great Heart Charity Association, noticed that Sariah’s hands had knife cuts from chopping ingredients.
As a result of her visual impairment, cooking and handling knives safely was a challenge.
Hence, the NGO provided Sariah with a start-up model for her business, including guidance on how to manage her finances and market her products.
The programme also provided Sariah with the financial support she needed to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies to start her business during Ramadan.
In addition, the NGO helped her buy new spectacles.
The profit that Sariah earned from her Ramadan bazaar stall not only provided her with a sustainable livelihood but also enabled her to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her family with a new hope.
Sariah looking at some equipment she may need to buy for her business.
“I am so grateful to Great Heart Charity Association for helping me start my business during Ramadan.
“As a single mother, it was challenging to make ends meet.
“The business start-up programme provided me with the financial and moral support I needed to start my business.
“The new spectacles they provided me also gave me the ability to see clearly while cooking and running my business,” said Sariah.
Her business journey did not end after the Hari Raya break.
She continued trading by setting up a stall at night markets, allowing her to expand her customer base and provide for her family.
“I feel empowered knowing that I can support myself and my family,” said Sariah.
“Thanks to Great Heart Charity Association, I have been able to create a sustainable livelihood for myself and my family.”
Great Heart Charity Association managing director Yuen Juin Hoe said, “We are thrilled with Sariah’s success.
“Her achievements are a testament to the impact that our programme can have on the lives of those we serve.
“We hope that her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and make use of the resources and support available to them.”
Established in 2010, Great Heart Charity Association’s mission is to be a charity platform that connects contributors, volunteers and beneficiaries to make charitable giving a part of everyone’s life.
For details, visit www.greatheartcharity.org.my
