ANAK BANGSA - the Children - Get to know Nur

<body> <p>Get to know Nur<br /> A strong girl of 10 years old</p> <p>To find out what it means to be one of the children of Anak Bangsa meet 10 year-old Nur at her home. While other kids in the neighbourhood are playing and running around, you find Nur washing clothes, cooking and looking after her nephew and niece.</p> <p></p> <p>Nur lives with her mother, 8-year-old nephew Idaham and 4-year-old niece Susi. Their home is a semi permanent structure made from bamboo and concrete. Inside there are just two rooms, which are dark and humid. At night simple mats provide a bed on the floor for the family.<br /> <br /> There is no running water or gas for cooking. Water is drawn from a well next door. To take a mandi (shower) the family has to go to a small room opposite the house. Cooking is done on a fire of wood and benzine.<br /> <br /> Nur’s elder sister (the mother of Idaham and Susi) works in Saudi Arabia and her mother far from home. Even though she is just 10 years old it is her responsibility to clean the house, wash the clothes, cook and look after her nephew and niece. Every day Nur does her chores whilst other children in the neighborhood are playing and running around.<br /> <br /> “ I help my mother by keeping the house clean and watching over my nephew and niece. Very often I am tired and bored. It makes me sad, as I cannot play with my friends, but I must help”<br /> <br /> Nur is very optimistic now she has a new lease of life from the After School Care Program run by Anak Bangsa. The only family income comes from Nur’s mother and there is just enough money to send Nur and her nephew to school. With a little help from an auntie they are both able to attend the program as well.<br /> <br /> “I am very happy to be with Anak Bangsa. It is a new experience, a great place for learning with friends. With the life skills, English and learning about computers Anak Bangsa will help me for the future”<br /> <br /> Despite her tough life Nur is very motivated about her future, she wants to be an English teacher and a good person. It is also her dream to have a proper house and be able to help her mother when she is able.<br /> <br /> And, what does she think of Anak Bangsa? “ Everyone at Anak Bangsa loves me very much! I am glad I can go. I like to learn English and to draw. I cannot wait to start on the computers....”</p> </body>