KOTA KINABALU: A group of students and three teachers from a private school in France recently came to the state under Habitat for Humanity programme, to build a house for a poor family in Kampung Lingkubang, Kota Belud.
The non-government organisation (NGO) aims to help in eliminating poverty among the poor worldwide by building decent, affordable houses and serve people worldwide.
One of the students, Fawz Soua said it was her first time coming to Asia where she experienced the real life of Malaysians.
“After I registered with this programme with Habitat for Humanity, I did a bit of research about Malaysia and Sabah, and I was very excited to come here.
“After almost three weeks mixing with the locals, I am very glad that I did this. The people here love to smile and the hospitality is really amazing. The locals are very friendly and helpful,” said Soua who originated from Tunisia.
Describing her experience doing voluntary work, building a house for a poor family, the 16-year-old Soua said she never knew she is capable of building a house.
She is hoping that she will have the opportunity to do the same thing in the future.
She is also planning to bring her family to the state in the future, as she feels that Malaysia is a very open Muslim country.
“I came from Tunisia. It’s a Muslim country, but I found there are so many differences between these two countries. There are so many things that I should tell my family about Malaysia,” added Soua in a press interview at Novotel Hotel, 1Borneo on Friday.
Soua and 14 other students have been staying at the hotel since June 18, 2013.
Another volunteer, 17-year-old Benjamin Finestone from London said, watching Mount Kinabalu was one of his best experiences in Sabah.
“I saw many pictures of Mount Kinabalu from the Internet, but today, I will have so many things to say about the mountain to my friends in France. I will put all my pictures in Sabah into an album and show them to my family and friends.
“The opportunity to serve Habitat for Humanity is priceless. I am proud to be part of this group, building a house for the poor people, but at the same time I enjoyed it here. Everything is good and memorable,” he said.
Finestone, who has a Malaysian friend in France, said every little thing his friend told him about this country is true including the climate, friendly people and the uniqueness of the architecture and transportation.
Habitat for Humanity project manager, Simon Cowdry said the organization aims is to raise awareness of poverty housing, provide leadership training and creating a cross-cultural learning environment for the volunteers instead of the typical study environment in school.
This programme enriches one’s experience through the opportunity to travel especially to the rural areas, eat, work, sleep and enjoy fellowship as a member of the host community.
Earlier this year, another group of international students from Anglo-Chinese School (Singapore) International came to Sabah to build a house for a poor farming family in the city.
Also present at the interview session was general manager of Novotel Hotel, Jacques Leizerovici.