Nurul, 20, grew up with her younger brother, and their mother in a one-room rental flat. After losing their father at a young age, Nurul’s mother became the sole breadwinner, working tirelessly to provide for her children. Despite these challenges, the family stayed resilient. In the early years, Filos stepped in to offer support through an assistance programme, which helped ease some of their immediate needs.

As they got older, both Nurul and her brother took on part-time work to help with living expenses while balancing school responsibilities. In her second year of school, Nurul received an offer from Filos’ tertiary bursary programme, sponsored by a generous donor who believed in Filos’ work. Her brother, entering ITE, also received the bursary, giving both siblings monthly financial support during their studies. This help allowed them to stay focused on their education, easing some of the financial burdens they faced.

“With the monthly financial support, I could afford the materials I needed for school, especially as an educator in training,” Nurul shares. “It provided me a cushion for unexpected expenses and lifted a weight off my shoulders. I am genuinely thankful for this support—it motivated me to focus on my academics without worrying about monthly expenses.”

Nurul recently completed her diploma and now works as a fitness trainer, with hopes of saving up to pursue a degree in early childhood education. Her journey is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the transformative power of community support. With determination and focus, she looks forward to continuing her education and eventually giving back as a competent educator, helping others like her.

Your generosity can turn hope into reality for individuals like Nurul. Make a difference today at https://bit.ly/HoldOutHope2024.