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A Grounded Effort in the Limbang Community
In the Limbang Constituency, across the rental blocks in Marsiling–Yew Tee GRC, a quiet commitment has been sustained week after week. Now in its third year, SparkleSteps@Limbang takes a holistic approach in supporting about 25 children from preschool to Primary 6. Sessions include reading enhancement, maths and science tuition, mentoring, PSLE goal setting, or just lending a listening ear. The aim is not simply to help children perform better in school, but to nurture confidence, motivation and a sense of possibility in every child.
For Shabirin Ariffin (ShaB), Deputy Director, Customer Experience and Fulfilment at NVPC, who has been volunteering with them since 2024, this programme reflects a deeply held belief that meaningful giving begins with presence, consistency and care.
Showing Up, Week after Week
Behind the programme is a committed team of volunteers — practitioners, tertiary students and junior college students — who show up each week to support the children. Shabirin coordinates the volunteers, works with them to shape the developmental approach, designs session flows, and ensures continuity in how the children are guided. Beyond structure and planning, what matters most is presence — being there consistently and building trust over time.
The Limbang community at a carnival event in 2025
A Personal Commitment
Shabirin’s involvement is deeply personal. Limbang is not just where the programme is based; it is also the place he calls home. Over the years, he has seen how small acts of guidance or encouragement can have an outsized impact on a child’s confidence and direction, especially for families living in rental blocks. Many parents in these communities work incredibly hard, often juggling multiple responsibilities. While their challenges may not always be visible, their commitment to their children is unwavering. Being able to stand alongside them, even for an hour or two each week, is a modest but meaningful way to support their children.
Learning comes alive through games
Presence over Perfection
Every week, the children arrive with new stories — some light-hearted, some challenging, others quietly inspiring. These moments affirm why the programme exists: to create a safe and supportive space where children feel seen, heard and believed in. Through this journey, Shabirin has been reminded that what children need most is not perfection, but presence. They respond to sincerity and genuine care more than polished programmes or grand gestures. The experience has also deepened his appreciation for the resilience and strength of the parents.
More than a meal — a moment to connect, share, and belong
Walking the Talk, Together
Shabirin’s weekly interactions in Limbang reinforce a simple truth: giving is not just an idea — it is something lived out in action. At the end of the day, ShaB’s view is that giving is not about fixing everything. It is about showing up — consistently, sincerely and without expectations. Small acts of time and attention can create quiet ripples of confidence and hope. When individuals walk the talk together, we help build a community where no one is forgotten.