REAL Schools Students Lead with Compassion in Support of Stray Animals

In a heartfelt initiative that reflects the spirit of compassion and community service, students at R.E.A.L Schools Johor Bahru Campus (RSJB) have launched a donation drive in support of Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Shelter (NANAS). This meaningful effort not only provides aid for stray and abandoned animals but also serves as a platform for students to practice empathy, kindness, and social responsibility.

Nurturing Hearts Beyond the Classroom — at RSJB education extends beyond academic excellence. The school’s holistic approach to learning places equal importance on character development, community engagement, and real-world impact. The donation drive for NANAS is a reflection of this philosophy—an initiative born from the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who care deeply about the world around them.

“We believe in instilling compassion, responsibility, and social awareness in our students. This initiative allows them to give back in a meaningful way while learning about animal welfare,” shared Mr. Helmi, CSR Teacher Advisor.

NANAS was selected as the beneficiary for its long-standing dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals. Currently home to over 700 dogs and 300 cats, the shelter depends heavily on donations to sustain its mission—from food and shelter to medical care and sterilization programmes.

“Supporting NANAS aligns with our values. It’s about helping vulnerable animals and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership among our students,” Mr. Helmi added.

Students are taking the lead in driving the campaign forward. Educational sessions are also being planned to deepen their understanding of animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of sterilization in reducing the stray population.

“It’s not just about donations—it’s about education and building empathy,” said Ms. Meera, Head of International School (Early Years and Primary). “We want students to walk away from this with a greater sense of compassion and a willingness to take action for causes they believe in.”

A Community Effort for a Worthy Cause — The school has also extended the invitation to parents and the wider community to get involved. Whether it’s through fostering, volunteering, or simply advocating for adoption over buying pets, there are many meaningful ways to support NANAS. The school hopes this marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with plans already in the works for future donation drives, student volunteer programs, and awareness campaigns.

This initiative builds on R.E.A.L Schools’ track record of impactful community engagement. A recent example includes a festive outreach where students connected with children from a local orphanage—creating not just joyful memories, but meaningful life experiences.

Just like that moment, the partnership with NANAS is expected to leave a lasting impression—not only on the animals it supports, but on the students who are learning to lead with kindness, empathy, and purpose.