Hamsni Perumal is a celebrated Malaysian actress who has carved a niche for herself in both the entertainment industry and as a volunteer educator. Known for her captivating performances on screen, Hamsni has also dedicated herself to educating underprivileged children in orphanages across Seremban, Jenjarom, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur.
Hamsni Perumal’s journey to fame began with notable roles in various movies and series. She gained widespread recognition for her roles in the “Manmadhan Bullets” series, where her talent and versatility shone through. However, it was her role in the local Tamil movie “Poochandi,” directed by J.K Wicky, that catapulted her career to new heights. The success of “Poochandi” not only garnered critical acclaim but also opened doors for Hamsni in the competitive world of cinema, particularly in Kollywood.
Despite her rising stardom in the entertainment industry, Hamsni Perumal felt a profound calling to give back to society. Motivated by her passion for education and a desire to make a difference, she embarked on a journey to teach underprivileged children in orphanages.
Driven by her academic pursuits and a natural affinity for teaching, Hamsni pursued degrees in Counselling and Psychology at the University of Malaya, where she excelled as a first-class student. Currently pursuing her PhD in Special Needs Education at the same institution, Hamsni’s academic journey has been intertwined with her fervent desire to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children.
Building Strong Connections with Children
“Children easily form attachments with me, a connection that extends even to those with special needs. When I interact with them during classes, they become more engaged and responsive. My presence seems to have a calming effect, helping them focus and participate more actively in the learning process. Building these bonds of trust and understanding is crucial in creating a positive learning environment where every child feels valued and supported,” she told.
“My primary approach involves play-based teaching methods, which I find highly effective in engaging children. Instead of relying solely on traditional textbook teaching, I incorporate interactive activities and use toys as educational tools. These activities are designed to stimulate the children’s interest and curiosity, making the learning process more enjoyable and memorable for them.”
Challenges and Dedication
Balancing her roles as an actress, producer, and educator has not been without challenges. Hamsni’s dedication to her students often requires meticulous time management, ensuring that her teaching commitments are fulfilled alongside her professional responsibilities in the entertainment industry.
Her approach to teaching is rooted in play-based methods, ensuring that children remain engaged and receptive to learning. Beyond academics, Hamsni fosters emotional bonds with her students, providing them not only with knowledge but also with a sense of security and care.
“I have made the decision to prioritize teaching over several other projects because I believe it wouldn’t be fair to neglect the children. One of the biggest sacrifices I’ve made was giving up the opportunity to pursue overseas studies. After completing my master’s degree, I had the chance to study in one of the top 50 countries globally.
However, my commitment to the children I teach, and my dedication to developing the Education Matters program, compelled me to stay. I chose to invest my time and energy in making a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged children through education.”
Family Support and Sacrifices
Throughout her journey, Hamsni has been supported by her family, who have encouraged her every step of the way, from pursuing acting to her philanthropic endeavors. Despite her demanding schedule, which occasionally requires her to forgo personal and professional opportunities, Hamsni remains steadfast in her mission to empower underprivileged children through education.
“Throughout my journey, I have had limited time to spend with my family, so I visit them when it’s convenient, and they also come to visit me in my place. Despite occasionally missing family gatherings due to my tight schedule, they understand my passion and dedication to my work.
My parents have also witnessed firsthand how much the children appreciate me. After graduating with my master’s degree, I immediately went to the orphanage, and my parents joined me there. They were deeply moved by the children’s affection, as they took the initiative to bake cakes, cook food, and decorate the place to celebrate my achievements.”
Rewarding Moments
“Throughout my teaching journey, I have encountered homes with autistic students, which has been a deeply rewarding experience for me. It fills me with warmth and gratitude whenever I see these special needs children grasping the concepts I teach them, often bringing tears to my eyes. Establishing eye contact and maintaining their attention can be particularly challenging with special needs children. The first time one of these children gives me their full attention and engages with me is a moment of profound gratitude for me,” Hamsni expressed.
She also added that, “my greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing these children not only understand the lessons but also apply their newfound knowledge to achieve personal milestones. Seeing them grow and succeed using the education I have imparted is immensely fulfilling. It reaffirms the importance of inclusive education and motivates me to continue making a positive impact on their lives.”
Empowering Change: Urging Volunteers to Educate Underprivileged Children
“I strongly encourage anyone aspiring to teach underprivileged children to take action, as there is a pressing need for more volunteer teachers to support orphanages throughout Malaysia. Whether you’re a teenager, young adult, or someone with a background in teaching, I urge you to consider volunteering your time and skills to educate these children in their own living environments.
In addition, I emphasize the importance of individuals taking initiative to teach underprivileged children in their local communities. By doing so, we can ensure that more children in orphanages receive at least a basic level of education.”
She also urged that, “from my experience, I have noticed that while some children meet average educational standards, many others do not. It’s challenging for orphanages to provide adequate educational support due to the varying needs and group sizes of children under their care. Therefore, I anticipate and encourage more volunteer teachers to step forward and contribute to spreading education among these deserving children.”
Looking ahead, Hamsni envisions a future where her students, inspired by her example, will themselves become advocates for education, paying forward the gift of knowledge to future generations of underprivileged children.
“I am truly thankful to the public for their unwavering support in sponsoring essential school supplies for the children. Their support motivates both me and the children to continue our efforts, and I hope for their ongoing support.Looking ahead, my current focus is on teaching these children, with the expectation that they will, in turn, teach underprivileged children in the future. Education is crucial for children today, and this reciprocal teaching can make a significant difference.”
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