MELAKA, April 9 (Bernama) — Out of love and responsibility, Awa Minhat, 79, has been taking care of her great-grandson for the past 18 years since he was a baby.
The retiree also took four of his siblings under her wings after their parents went separate ways following a divorce.
“They are my flesh and blood and I love them so much. As long as I am alive, I will take care of them,” he told Bernama when met at her home in Bukit Piatu recently.
She said her first great-grandson has just completed his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations while his youngest sibling is seven-years-old.
Awa said she is raising all her great-grandchildren using her pension money and the RM200 that she received from the siblings’ mother every month.
She said they would make do with whatever food that they have and was grateful that the children did not ask for much.
The septuagenarian said the children would raise their own money when they wanted to buy things such as phones to use for their studies.
She expressed her gratitude to the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) for providing each of her great-grandchildren with a school uniform every year.
Asked about the sibling’s mother, Awa said the mother would ensure that her children’s schooling is taken care of such as handling their school registration and preparing for their school supplies.
Certain individuals have offered to adopt the children but Awa said she was determined to take care of them until the end of her life, adding that she would always pray for good health so that she could continue taking care of the siblings.
On the preparations for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations, Awa said she would normally buy new clothes for each of her great-grandchildren.
Meanwhile, Melaka state Social Welfare Department director Burhanuddin Bachik said financial aid amounting to RM600 would be provided to the family.
“We have met with the family and the assistance will be given in May through their great-grandmother as she is their legal guardian,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency