Students at R.E.A.L Schools Johor Bahru Campus have once again proven that compassion and leadership know no age. In their recent CSR initiative, the school community proudly presented a mock cheque of RM1,140.65 to Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter (NANAS)—a gesture that reflects both student empathy and the power of collective action.
The cheque was handed over to Betty Voon, representative of NANAS, and Luqman from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai, who were warmly welcomed on campus to conduct a special awareness talk on animal welfare. Their presence not only inspired students but also deepened their understanding of the realities faced by stray animals and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“This initiative demonstrates how students, when empowered with purpose and guided by educators, can lead with heart,” said Dr Chandra, Campus Principal of R.E.A.L Schools Johor Bahru. “Through this experience, our students were not only donors, but also advocates. They’ve learned to use their voices and actions to make a real difference, and that is the kind of leadership we strive to cultivate at R.E.A.L. Schools.”
The NANAS donation drive, guided by CSR Teacher Advisor Helmi, engaged students in every step from creating awareness campaigns and collecting donations to planning educational sessions and coordinating outreach. This event follows R.E.A.L Schools’ ongoing mission to go beyond academic achievement by nurturing values such as empathy, integrity, and civic responsibility.
During her visit, Betty Voon shared heartfelt insights into the daily challenges of running NANAS, which currently shelters over 700 dogs and 300 cats across multiple branches. She highlighted the importance of financial support, especially in the wake of the pandemic, as well as the critical need for community awareness.
“We are truly grateful for the students’ support,” Betty shared. “Funds like these go directly towards food, medical care, and other essential needs for our animals. It’s incredibly meaningful to see young people stepping up—not just donating, but learning and leading change.”
She also spoke about initiatives like the “A Can Per Student” campaign, which encourages students to involve their families and communities in supporting stray animals through small acts of giving. These youth-led efforts, she emphasised, are crucial to building a sustainable movement for animal welfare.
“Being kind and responsible goes a long way,” said Betty adding, “We’re especially inspired to see a new generation rising to care for animals with compassion and awareness.”
Looking ahead, both NANAS and R.E.A.L Schools hope to continue collaborating on future student volunteer programmes, animal welfare campaigns, and long-term awareness projects aimed at building a more empathetic and informed society.
This initiative builds on R.E.A.L Schools’ track record of impactful community engagement. Whether it’s bringing festive cheer to underprivileged children or advocating for animal rights, students are consistently guided by dedicated educators to become leaders who make a difference—beyond the classroom and into the world.
