A schoolgirl in Malaysia found herself without a home just a day before Hari Raya because she had refused the arranged marriage her father had foisted onto her.
According to Herman Sudil, a man who helps run the children’s shelter she was left at, her own mother had dropped her off.
He shared the girl’s story on Facebook last Friday (20 March), where it has since garnered over 15,000 reactions and 1,500 comments.
The girl, who is based in Johor, had allegedly chosen to continue her education and refused to marry her father’s acquaintance.
A police report was made at 3 am, and she was subsequently handed over to the shelter.
A photo attached to the post shows the girl in front of a police station holding the report.
Source: Herman Sudil on Facebook
The post describes the girl as a good student who performs well in school. Despite having her own desires for her future, her father had arranged a marriage for the young girl.
Because she refused to comply, she was forced to leave home.
According to Herman, the girl only brought with her some school books and her school bag.
He added: “We’ll be taking her to get Hari Raya clothes and other necessities soon.”
Although she had just gone through something traumatic, the man remarked that he had seen her join a Quran recitation group.
He mentioned that it is cases like these that keep him motivated to do more to help children in need. He hopes that when the girl grows up, she can help her own siblings too.
In response to MS News queries, Herman said the girl is doing well.
“She is happy and is staying at our children’s shelter home in Johor Bahru, Malaysia,” he said.
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Featured image adapted from Herman Sudil on Facebook and Karola G on Canva. Right image is for illustration purposes only.