CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has praised the Northern Indian Hairdresser Welfare Association (NIHWAN) for their active participation in charitable activities.
Chow said it is important for non-profit organisations such as NIHWAN to continue being productive and contribute to the well-being of the society.
“Many corporate companies want to do their part for the community but sometimes they do not have the manpower.
“However, they can reach out to the community with the help and support from the non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Thus, it is vital for the NGOs to continue to prove their credibility by being actively involved in charity. This can pave the way for them to collaborate with others to assist the community together,” Chow told a delegation from NIHWAN when they paid a courtesy visit on him today at his office in Komtar.
During the visit, NIHWAN chairman S. Buvanesvaran briefed Chow on the activities conducted by the organisation since its inception in 2021.
“Apart from taking care of the welfare of our members from the hair salon industry, we are also involved in various charitable works.
“We have started our free English tuition lessons for Year 6 pupils of all races. We felt it is crucial for us to help students from the lower income families with their education.
“Later on, we will also include Year 5 pupils as well as Form 5 students. We are also planning to hold Mandarin classes.
“Our volunteers from NIHWAN are coaching the students. We can do more with the strong support of the state government,” he added.
NIHWAN covers the northern region, namely Penang, Kedah, Perlis and Perak where a total of 400 hair salons are under the association.
Among other social works that NIHWAN is involved with are blood donation drive and funeral expenses assistance for poor families.
It is learned that the NIHWAN had also distributed food baskets to the needy during the movement control order in June 2021 as well as taken part in the flood relief mission in December 2021.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian