32 orphans fly for first time

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KOTA KINABALU: Thirty-two orphans selected from three orphanages travelled for the first time in an aircraft early yesterday morning from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

This was made possible by MASwings through its Wings of Love aspiration and support towards the educational program initiated by Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia – YADIM, Zon Sabah.

These orphans represented Rumah Anak Yatim As-Sakinah, Kota Kinabalu; Rumah Anak Yatim Al-Aman, Beaufort and Rumah Anak Yatim Darul Bakti, Kota Belud.

MASwings chief executive officer Datuk Captain Mohd Nawawi Awang said MASwings, under its corporate social responsibility program and being a caring community airline, had embarked on its very own community project tagged “Wings of Love” which is focusing on Community, Education and Environment initiatives.

“This is the second time MASwings is supporting the program under YADIM and we will strive to be firmly committed to meaningful initiatives such as this program through various methods, especially for those underprivileged who hailed from remote areas within Sabah and Sarawak,” said Nawawi.

“Most of these orphans have never been elsewhere but their own hometown and flying on an aircraft such as MASwings ATR for the first time is something they have never dreamed of, hence the valuable experience and exposure gain would give them the motivational push to excel better in their study and future endeavor. We hope and believe that through the use of our resources and contribution, it will bring about positive changes in the community, especially to these young generations and the country as a whole,” Nawawi added.

The orphans who are led by Tuan Haji Samin Ongki of YADIM Zon Sabah and the respective homes’ guardians, were expected to attend a ‘Majlis Aidilfitri’ event hosted by the Chief Minister last evening at his residence before returning home on Monday morning.