Students Advised Not To Turn Down Offers To Pursue Higher Education

KOTA BHARU, June 16 (Bernama) -- Students from underprivileged backgrounds have been advised not to turn down offers to pursue higher education at the Kelantan branch Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as various forms of financial and welfare assistance are available to help ease their burden.

Kelantan branch Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Deputy Rector for Student Affairs, Meer Zhar Farouk Amir Razli, said students are not limited to relying solely on loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), as the university also offers zakat assistance,  welfare funds and facilities under the “Dapur MADANI” initiative.

He said the “Dapur MADANI” initiative at residential colleges helps students manage their living expenses throughout their studies.

“Students and parents are encouraged to seek information on the assistance available before deciding to reject an offer to pursue studies at the university,” he told Bernama during the UiTM Kelantan Branch Rector’s Cakna Programme here recently.

Meer Zhar said competition for places in public higher education institutions continues to intensify, making it important for students to make full use of opportunities offered to them.

Commenting on the Rector’s Cakna Programme, he said the initiative was carried out in collaboration with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support newly enrolled students who require assistance.

Earlier, Meer Zhar presented a laptop to a student from a low-income family, Norzarra Dhania Amir Abdullah, 19, at her home in Jalan Kebun Sultan to support her preparations for the new semester beginning in September.

Sharing her experience, Norzarra Dhania said she had previously received an offer to continue her studies at UiTM Sarawak last year but was forced to decline due to her family’s financial difficulties.

The eldest of seven siblings said her family depends solely on her mother’s income as a restaurant assistant after her father became ill with diabetes four years ago.

“My dream of continuing my studies never faded. Alhamdulillah, this time I received an offer from UiTM Kelantan, which is closer to my family and helps reduce expenses,” said Norzarra Dhania, who will be pursuing a Diploma in Management.

-- BERNAMA