KENINGAU: Four villages in the district received a heartwarming boost during a recent charity visit by Cheryl Ellron, a volunteer cum philanthropist originally from Keningau who now resides in the United Kingdom.
Cheryl distributed 50 packs of baby diapers together with other essential items to residents of Kg Simbuan, Kg Dumbun, Kg Rancangan Belia and Kg Maatoi. The visit was in collaboration with IJ Centre, an NGO in Keningau.
The visit coincided with the World Children’s Day celebration held at Kg Simbuan, themed “Never Give Up, Believe in Yourself.”
It brought together teachers, children, youth, community leaders, and villagers in a joyful gathering to celebrate and uplift the spirit of local youth.
Many villages in the district still lack basic infrastructure, including proper roads, access to clean water, and electricity.
Cheryl, known for her active involvement in community work, said her return to Sabah was driven by a desire to give back to the society that shaped her.
“My main goal is to ensure that every child has access to education. I believe that no child should be left behind, no matter where they come from,” she said.
Her gesture was warmly received by the local communities, who expressed gratitude for her continued support and compassion.
During the event, children took part in ice-breaking activities and games, which they enjoyed with great enthusiasm.
She encouraged them to build positive friendships and interact openly with others.
She said that children should be taught from a young age the importance of connecting with their peers rather than isolating themselves.
“They need to socialize more and spend less time on their phones,” she said, highlighting the value of real-life interaction in shaping confident and caring individuals.
She also emphasised that fun activities like dancing are a great way to engage children. Not only do such activities keep them active and away from their phones, but they also help develop important social and communication skills.
“Even though these activities may seem small or unimportant, they actually play a big role in shaping a child’s character over time,” she said.
Cheryl added that through these experiences, children begin to understand the value of self-confidence and effort.
Over time, they learn to adopt a positive attitude, especially when facing challenges and become more willing to try again after making mistakes.
