Kota Kinabalu: Social activist, mother and founder of Bukit Harapan, Anne Keyworth or fondly known as Mama Anne celebrated her 70th birthday here, Friday. She is well known for her passion and commitment in not only looking after those with special needs, orphans and single mothers but also rape victims and victims of human trafficking.She established Bukit Harapan, a non-profit organisation in Nov 8, 1989, offering assistance to children and adults from various backgrounds.
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Her 70th birthday anniversary was celebrated at her residence along Jalan Tuaran Bypass, Menggatal, with friends and family members. "No matter how severely multiple-handicapped a body is, as long as the heart beats, we have a duty to respect and serve this life…for life is the most precious gift from God to us," she was quoted as saying in her Bukit Harapan website.
She remains true to her quote, as age is clearly not a barrier for Mama Anne who continues rendering assistance to the under privileged.Bukit Harapan began operating its first Home in Keningau on Jan 9, 1989.
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The Rector of St. Francis Xavier Church had offered the use of a vacant house in the compound and Anne moved in with five special children and two helpers.Anne and the helpers had to do everything; give care, love, education and therapy to the children, marketing, cooking, housekeeping, plus meeting with families who have special children.
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There were individuals who cast doubts on the effort saying that such rehabilitation project belong to the Government, among others, nevertheless, Bukit Harapan persevered doggedly.The stay in the first Home lasted about a year and owing to various factors, Bukit Harapan moved to Kota Kinabalu, to a rented house six miles away in Putatan where they stayed briefly before shifting to Jalan Saga, Likas, Kota Kinabalu where it remained for more than 15 years.
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Bukit Harapan moved to its permanent premises on a 1.6 acre-land donated by the State government, in Inanam Laut, Jalan Tuaran ByPass on Feb 16, 2007 and has since taken in more special persons and a few more helpers.
