Lighting the Path: Empowering the Chow Kit Community Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) has been a sanctuary for the marginalised children in the Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur since opening its doors in 2016. Starting with just 40 students, it now provides support and quality education for over 100 children in the area. BJCK started with simple yet impactful efforts, focusing on teaching children to read, write and count in the alleys of Chow Kit during the evenings. In 2018, it took a significant step forward by introducing daily learning sessions in a spacious and more organised new facility. This space became more than just a classroom; it evolved into a refuge where children could explore their potential and families could find solace in the transformative power of education. In May 2019, Bank Islam, via Sadaqa House, appointed BJCK as one of the changemakers of its social finance initiatives and financially assist their operation by funding the rent of the BJCK building. The journey reached another inspiring milestone in 2024 through an ambitious collaboration with Sadaqa House and Broku Sdn Bhd (Broku). This partnership led to the opening of Restoran Sup Kawah Hitam, a corner-lot cafe serving Malaysian delights, to create a sustainable income-generating venture operated by BJCK. Located on the ground floor of BJCK’s education centre, the restaurant serves as a dining spot and a platform for community empowerment. This Restaurant enables BJCK to generate funds internally, and be less dependent on funding from external parties. The total cost of developing the restaurant and beautifying the building was nearly RM60,000. BJCK Executive Director, Amin Khalil highlighted the initiative’s broader impact. “The restaurant not only allows us to provide food at reasonable prices but also creates job opportunities for the local community, often overlooked due to societal stigmas. We hope this business will thrive and open more doors, especially for students who have completed their studies with BJCK.” Sadaqa House has been a steadfast supporter of BJCK’s mission. Since 2019, it has contributed over RM600,000 in social funding to sustain BJCK’s education programmes, ensuring sustainable support in its mission of change. And in 2024, history was made when Sadaqa House successfully helped the first BJCK child to continue his studies at Universiti College Bestari (UCB). Ahmad Nizam successfully obtained 4As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination and is currently studying Foundation of Management at UCB. BJCK’s story reminds us that even the tiniest spark can ignite a community transformation when nurtured with care and collaboration. From its humble beginnings to its ambitious endeavours today, BJCK remains steadfast in its commitment to lighting the path for Chow Kit children’s brighter future, one milestone at a time. 63 w w w . b a n k i s l a m. c o m 01 02 03 04 MD&A – STRATEGIC REVIEW 05 06 07 08 09
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