Bride invites children from Pertapis to her wedding
After her first marriage ended, Madam Hairina Abu Bakar decided to take steps to change her life experience into something positive.
One of those steps was to volunteer at a local children’s home.
The bank executive had volunteered her time at Jamiyah Children’s Home from 2010 to 2014 organising activities such as suppers or gatherings during Hari Raya.
She also spends her time there talking to the children to motivate them both in their studies and their lives.
Her experience as a volunteer showed her that she needed to be thankful for whatever she has in her life.
So when the 39-year-old recently got married to Mr Mar Yanto Ahmad, a personal driver, she decided to invite 18 children from Pertapis Children’s Home, to her wedding function last Sunday.
In an interview with The New Paper, she said that her 26-year-old husband supported the idea.
“He encouraged the idea and thought that the idea was a perfect way for him to get also get involve with the children,” she said.
The function was held at Warong Nasi Pariaman along North Bridge Road, which, according to Madam Hairina, was kind enough to sponsor the food for the children.
“What I have personally gone through cannot be compared with what these children have experienced,” she said in an interview with Berita Harian.
“My experience as an volunteer with the children’s home opened my mind and I realised that I have a very lucky life,” she added.
While she isn't currently volunteering, she plans to volunteer with Pertapis in the near future.
The mother of two children, aged 10 and 12, said she hopes that everyone can do their part to make these children feel more like a part of society and include them in whatever activities that they can.
“If we can invite 1,000 people to our wedding function, there is no harm in inviting another 20 children who are less fortunate.”
The head of the Pertapis Children’s Home, Mr Sophian Kayat, who was also present at the wedding, said: “Madam Hairina’s invitation allows these children to improve their social skills and enhance their confidence.”
According to him, the children under his care do not get much chance to go out much to sightsee or to go visiting during the weekends.
“I would like to thank Madam Hairina, her husband as well as her family for the opportunity,” added Mr Sophian.
One of the children who attended was Siti (not her real name), 13.
“I am happy that I am able to go out and attend a wedding ceremony, it has been a while since I’m able to attend a wedding,” said Siti.
Another child who attended the wedding, Hamid (not his real name), said he was grateful for the chance to attend Madam Hairina’s wedding.
“I feel honoured that I was invited and I am happy for the newly-married couple,” the 12-year-old said.
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