Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 1 Who is Youth At-Risk There are many definitions of youths at risk Signs of at-risk youth but we believe that any child that grows up School Failing at school, playing truant, sleeping frequently in class, getting into fights and in conflict with authority, being bullied in this world is at risk in some way. Our kids are under more stress than ever before in our fast paced society. Those from single parent families, dysfunctional family units, and other socio-emotional issues tend to be at a greater disadvantage of succeeding in life. However, our children have been exposed to violence, substance abuse and other negative influences at a very young age. Thus youth can be at risk despite their ethnicity, gender, age or family background. Parents can raise their children right and be supportive and loving, however they cannot prevent their teenagers from being caught up in dangerous lifestyles and making poor choices. 2 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Family Arguing with parents and siblings, running away from home The law Getting caught for shoplifting, smoking, glue sniffing, rioting, gang related activities and vandalizing public property Unusual behaviour Extreme violence, lose their cool easily, self mutilation, spends lots of time alone, extreme mood swings, loss of appetite or binge eating and sexually active at young age Self belief Low in confidence, unmotivated, gives up easily and has ‘I don’t care’ attitude 7,000 students are dropping out from school system every year before reaching SPM! You will see that.......... l Seven out of 10 student that have spend 11 years schooling felt “lost” by the time they leave school environment l Seven out of every 10 students are not able to communicate in basic English l Four out of every 10 students are involved with violence and gangsterism Where do they go? l Three out of every 10 students have experienced using banned drugs l Five out of every 10 students have been abusing alcohol on weekly basis What do they do? l Two out of every 10 students have been engaging in risky sexual activity before the age of 18. Who employs them? l One out of every 30 students surveyed admitted having recurring thoughts of suicide. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 3 Fair Comments from our Initiators BASIC EDUCATION PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW l Only 1500 in Public University Only 3000 Critical Zone 1 sit for STPM 7000 drop-out between age 13 to 17 Only 28000 managed to sit for SPM Approximately Annual Enrolment of students in Standard 1 in National & Tamil School 35000 Critical Zone 2 SPM Results Approximate No. Of Students Where to Go ? > 3 credits To qualify for PTPTN Loan-must have credit in BM 16,000 • • • • <3 credits Not qualify for PTPTN - must pursue skills training to qualify for PTPK loan. 10,000 • Look for Job • Apply to IKBN/ILP (min Pass in BM) • Apply to Private Skills Training Institutes (age above 15) ???? Failed all subjects 2,000 Pursue STPM (min 3 credits) Pursue Matriculation@ Govt Institute (min 5 credits) Pursue Diploma @ Polytechnic (min 5 credits) Pursue Diploma/Foundation/A-Levels @ Private Colleges (min 3 credits) NOTE: Data Collection in Progress for Malay/Chinese Students “What happens to those 7,000 teenagers who drop out between primary and secondary schooling and approximately 2,000 who fail all their subjects in SPM?”. “If there is no proper support system, these youths can easily turn to crime. Our duty is to help them get some form of meaningful employment. It is also not a surprise that majority of the children we teach come from dysfunctional homes with few or no positive role models,” 4 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Mr S. Pasupathi Director MySkills Foundation Fair Comments from our Initiators Transforming young lives at risk Everyone’s responsibility • MySkills Foundation was established on 3rd March, • The main issue here is the absence of an 2011 to manage Primus Institute of Technology; to EFFECTIVE TRANSITION PROGRAMME for carry out transformational activities and promote underachievers and school dropouts to integrate skills training career amongst youths-at-risk. into the main society through market relevant skills training that would ensure SUSTAINABLE • EMPLOYMENT. MySkills Foundation’s involvement with grass root based community work confirms that there was NO concerted effort to investigate, analyze • After lots of discussion with relevant and and find sustainable solution from bottom of the concerned groups who have been working with pyramid students (students with below average this category of students, we decided to promote grades). holistic transformation and skills training as the only available solution. • In the last few years, we realized that the problem So we formed MYSKILLS FOUNDATION. • We advocate a tailor-made programme to faced by underachievers and school dropouts is bigger than what we assumed it to be. It was found that nearly 7,000 students are dropping out bridge this two diverse world (the World of from school every year before reaching SPM! ‘Underachievers’ and the World of ‘Work’), which is essential to a successful transition. • The Directors and promoters of MySkills Foundation therefore decided unless we have an organization solely dedicated to take care of the needs of the drop-out students and students who obtain below average grades, the future of under achievers going to be bleak. Lt. Gen (R) Dato’ Raja Rashid bin Raja Badiozaman Chairman MySkills Foundation Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 5 Fair Comments from our Initiators Birth of Primus Institute of Technology We are a mission driven social solidarity enterprise specializing in at-risk youths transformation, skills training and promoting micro-entrepreneurship among the underserved segment of the Malaysian community. Why Are We Different? We are a NOT-FOR-PROFIT SOCIAL SOLIDARITY ENTERPRISE; • for public benefits by transforming at-risk youth in • Our Mission We use business model to achieve our social goals our community into a responsible citizen. To provide “second chance opportunity” to atrisk youths to acquire fundamental social, living • 100% of our profits are reinvested to sustain and and workplace skills to ensure they are gainfully further our mission of transforming at risks youth employed and integrated into the main stream in our community. society. • Our Vision • We use HOLISTIC training approach in skills trainings. To Transform 100 % of at –risk youth who begin skills training with us into skill workforce fit for employment. Dr. Sanmugasiva Director MySkills Foundation 6 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Board of Directors Lt. Gen. (R) Dato’Raja Rashid Bin Raja Badiozaman He holds a Masters Degree in International Relations and served as a Lieutenant General with Tentera Darat Malaysia for 35 years. Dr. Sanmugasiva Manickam Pillai He is a medical practitioner and a veteran social activist. A prolific writer in Tamil and hosted a number of notable medical programmes on Astro Vaanavil. Pasupathi Sithamparam He is a lawyer in practice since 1990. He is active in various social organizations; namely being the Founded Member and President of Tamil Foundation. Palaniappan @ Mohan Chockalingam He is a qualified valuer with B.Sc (Hons) in Estate Management. He is the Director of TD Aziz Sdn.Bhd. and has been actively contributing to the community through EWRF and MySkills Foundation. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 7 Management Team Ms Selvamalar Selvaraju Executive Director, MySkills Foundation She graduated with a Masters Degree in Human Resources from Universiti Putra Malaysia. She won the Gold Medal Award from the Sultan of Selangor in 2005 for being the top student of the university with CGPA 4.00. She has 2 years working experience with Resorts World Berhad Group and more than 9 years NGO working experience. Her involvement in social work during her schooling days inspired her to focus on the transformation of challenged and at-risk youth. Mr Devasharma Gangadaran CEO Primus He is an award-winning graduate in B.Sc Human Development & Management from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He started his career in Human Capital Management in 2008 with Resorts World Berhad. During his tenure, he was exposed to various aspects of human capital management specializing in Planning and Development. Prior to joining us, he was the Fund-Raising Director of EWRF, Malaysia. Ms Justina Camelia Jonah Lecturer & Manager She graduated with a Degree in B.Ed. TESL from a local university and has 1 year secondary school teaching experience. She was actively involved in an NGO based in Hulu Selangor. Her active involvement in church activities triggered her to be a part of service with MySkills Foundation. 8 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Mr Govindaraju Muniyandi Quality Assurance Executive He has a total of 20 years work experience in the manufacturing industry. His experience ranges from Engineering, ISO Quality Management Systems and Operations. Among the companies he has worked with are Thonk Fook Plastic Industries, Seagate (Hard disk), CS Opto Semi-Conductor Lumileds(LED), Aker Solution & Extremach (Oil and Gas) and 3D International Manufacturing (3DIM and 3DIE GmbH). His valuable multi-national and multi-cultural work experience is of great advantage to us. Ms Jaya Rubinee Muniandy Transformation officer & Counselor She graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Hons) degree majoring in counseling, from Unitar International University. Prior, she was a trainee counselor at a local secondary school upon graduating and has experience dealing with youths and their characteristics, which is vital in our transformation initiatives. She has been involved in ‘Program AnakAngkat Malaysia’, serving the rural area population and is a member of the Malaysian Indian Youth Council. She is a member of the coordination team for the pre-vocational programme and is our in-house counselor. Mr Sashi Sekaran Selvarajah Corporate Communications He graduated with the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Liverpool and is a Certified Accounting Technician (CAT). Having worked with CIMB Investment Bank with rotations in Corporate Communications, Islamic Treasury, Branding & Merchandising and Corporate Client Solutions prior to joining MySkills Foundation. His deep interest in social equality and improvement led him to be a part of the service industry, hence in a NGO. Volunteers & Advisors Ms. Sunitha Trainer / Grooming SOLS 24/7 Team English Tutoring Mr. Thanesh Engineer / Tutor Dr. Kuppu Velu Mani Gynaecologist Dr. Renugah Jagdeesh Medical Doctor Mr. Prakash Enterpreneur / Tutor Mr. Muthamil Chef Park Royal KL / Instructor Mr. Jayagobi Instructor/Tutor Mr. Manirajan Enterpreneur / Tutor Dr. Mulai Tutor Ms. Vimala Tutor Mr. Subra Experienced Teacher / Tutor Mr. Gunasegaran Counselling / Industrial Expert Ms. Vanitha Drama Therapist Mr. Rama Paralegal / Tutor Mr. Raja Lingam Enterpreneur Mr. Ganesh Thiyagan Safety Management Undergraduate Kunasellan Kathivesan Call Centre Executive Berabagaran Krishnan Enterpreneur Prabakaran Selvaraju Call Centre Executive Arvind Thiyagan Engineering Undergraduate Navin Thiyagan Enterpreneur Pauziah Physically Handicapped Enterpreneur ASP Bathma Police Force Inspector Kulalan Police Force Inspector Mohoneswaran Police Force Inspector Rajan Police Force Mr. Peter Ratnam Retired Civil Servant / English Ms. Sumathi Yoga Instructor Navin @ Yogesvaran Teacher Mohd Kharul Syawal Bin Hussain Instructor Norazlinda Binti Zakaria Instructor Mr. Anba Telecommunications / Trainer Mr. Navin Teacher / Tutor Mr. Asogan Selangor Deaf Association / Golf Mr. Segaran Enterpreneur Mr.Letchuman Lawyer / Tutor Ms Sumathi Lawyer / Tutor Mr. Samymurthi Editor / Instructor Ms. Navamani English tutor Mr. Arumugam Lawyer / Trainer Mr. Ragavan Enterpreneur / Trainer Mr. Naidu Printing Technician / Volunteer Mr. Davendran Teacher Mr. Mahalingam Port Vessel Planner / Volunteer Mr. Krishnan Teacher / Volunteer Mr. Subra Teacher / Volunteer Ms. Bavani Teacher / Counselor Members of Rotary Club of Klang Central Peace Group Mr. Haridas Suppiah Ms. Jaya Prabagari Mr. Panjanathan Ms.Punitharani Ms. Aruna Panjanathan Ms. Salvalachemy Karupiah Ms.Siyamala Muniandy Ms. Lathaa Muniandy Mr. Viknesh Mr. Raman Nair Mr. Pannirselvam Ms. Vimala Devi Mr. Manimaran Mr. Muraleyi Ms. Devagi Ms. Uma Devi Ms. Shanti Krishnan Mr. Thrichelvam Rasiah Ms. Susila Devi Ms. Nathisha Thrichelvam Mr. Veerasamy Mr. Chandra Ms. Pavithra Mr. Sindhamani Ms. Bavani Ms. Tamilselvi Ms. Vilasini Nair Mr. Kumuthan Mr. Prabha Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 9 Holistic Training We use HOLISTIC training approach in skills trainings which includes mentoring, coaching, social skills, living skills, job placement and continuous monitoring to achieve long-term and sustainable personal transformation. HOLISTIC TRANSFORMATION APPROACH ATTITUDE 60% 10 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth SKILLS + KNOWLEDGE 40% Humble Beginnings at Puchong • The Primus Institute of Technology was initiated at Taman Tan Yew Lai, Puchong a two-storey shoplot building two years ago with minimal facilities. We had 10 students at the initial stage and gradually the number increased to 26, 58, and later 106. • Transformational activities, character reengineering sessions and vocational training for students were carried out despite lack of facilities and source of funds. Classroom Computer Lab Staff Area Mechatronics Lab Classroom Corridor / Notice board Admin office Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 11 Our Centre at Puchong Two-storey shoplot at Taman Tan Yew Lai Puchong • 2 storey shop lot • 2 Workshops • RM10,000.00 rental per month • No student lounge/cafeteria • 6 classrooms • Small admin office 12 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth • No library/resource centre Our Journey From Puchong To Port Klang • As student numbers increased, MySkills Foundation went on a fund raising drive to raise funds to shift the institute to more conducive and bigger premises. The Hentian Pelabuhan Klang, a two-storey stand alone building owned by the Klang Municipality Council at South Point, Port Klang was identified. • Refurbishment and upgrading work which cost almost RM600, 000.00 were carried out and the building now is fully equipped with facilities which could accommodate 700 students. The Klang Municipality Council (MPK) leased the premises (15,000 sqft) at a discounted rental of 0.60 cents per sqft. • • • • • • • • • 12 classrooms, Cafeteria, 4 Workshops, Student Lounge, Library, Admin Office, Staff Room, Assembly Hall Culinary Centre Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 13 Two-storey stand alone building at Port Klang 14 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Road to Kalumpang It has always been our dream to build a self-contained transformation campus for at-risk youths of our community. Why do we need this campus? Issue 1 Population of at risk youth is growing. What do we do about it? Issue 2 Student dropout rate is increasing. Where do these dropouts go? Issue 3 Juvenile crime is on rise. Number of inmates in Henry Gurney (Government rehabilitation centre) is on rise. What alternative rehabilitative institution we have in our midst? Myskills acquired 31 acres of building land in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor ( Kalumpang is 91 km from Kuala Lumpur and it is 50 minutes’ drive from jalan Duta to Tanjong Malim Toll exit – PLUS highway and further 10 minutes drive from Tanjong Malim toll exit. We bought the land together with 3 empty factory lots each located on an area of 23,000 sq.ft . The Kalumpang land and factory lots were bought on 26th September 2012 at a cost of RM 3.0 million from Danaharta. The current market price of the acquired land is estimated to exceed RM 7.0 million. Issue 4 Students in school aged 13 to 15 are being expelled, underserved and academically challenged. How do we help these students? Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 15 Campus Land Title 16 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Finally, A Community Campus of Transformation to Get Us Through at KALUMPANG Hulu Selangor creating employability through the transformation by altering their attitudes, values, and beliefs. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 17 Kalumpang TANJONGMALIM Taman Bahtera To IPOH Kampung Jelutong Tanjong Malim Exit North South Highway Taman Kalumpang kerling To KUALA LUMPUR A small town in the northern part of Selangor and it is in the district of Hulu Selangor. The town is accessible via road, bus and rail from all major transport terminals. The town is under Majlis Daerah Hulu Selangor, has a police station, nearby fire and emergency services department and public transport facilities. There are mini commercial areas in the vicinity that has sundry shops, restaurants, petrol service stations, companies and little industries. TO IPOH Tanjung Malim Taman Musabika Taman Kalumpang Kerling By road – travel along the PLUS Highway and exit at TanjungMalim Toll. After exiting, 10 minute drive to campus location. CAMPUS LOCATION SUNGAI INKI 18 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth TO KUALA LUMPUR By train–travel via KTM to TanjungMalim station or Kuala KubuBaru station. From the station, travel by public transport to campus location. Current Landscape Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 19 Artistic view of the campus, hostel accommodation and Training & Transformation Centre 20 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth The Campus Consist Of : l l l l l l l l Multi Purpose Hall / Admin Office Wohshop (Electrical) Workshop (Mechatronic) Workshop (Welding) Lecturer Rooms M&E Room / Refuse Chamber Cafeteria Female Hostel l l l l l l Male Hostel Warden / Lecturer House Sewerage Treatment Plant Mini Stadium Guard House Farm and agro-cultivation Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 21 22 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Hostel Unit Floor Plan Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 23 Kalumpang Campus (Phase 1) Student Accomodation We plan to build 96 units of medium cost apartment. Each unit measuring 1000 sq.ft will accomodate 10 students. The unit includes : 1. 3 Rooms 2. 2 Bathrooms 3. 1 Living Room In Kalumpang Phase 1, we plan to accommodate 1000 students pursuing skills training programme in Electrical Wiring, Mechatronic, Welding, and Air Condition Maintenance and Repairing. The Legal and Corporate Secretarial and School of Culinary targeting female students will operate at Port Klang Campus. 24 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Refurbishment & Reconstruction of Factory Lots We intend to reconcstruct the existing factory lots with Workshops and Training Centers. The modification will include: Course Workshop and Training Center Number of students Mechatronic 5 centers X 40 students 200 Electrical Wiring 5 centers X 40 students 200 Welding 5 centers X 40 students 200 Air-Cond Repairing 5 centers X 40 students 200 Plumbing 4 centers X 50 students 200 Total 25 centers 1000 Administration The existing administrative building to be reconstructed and redesigned. It will be functioning to meet administrative, finance and academic purposes. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 25 Cost Estimation (1)Accommodation A. 2 Blocks of 5 Storey Students Apartments l Ground Floor Ground floor will consist basic amenities such as kitchen, dining hall, and leisure room. l 1st floor to 4th Floor Each floor with 12 units of student apartments each measuring 1000 sq.ft will be designed with aims to promote family environment and communal values. Each apartment will accommodate 10 students. Total estimated build up area for each floor is approximately 10,800 sq.ft and total build up area will be 54,000 sq.ft for one block. Construction cost is based on RM 97.00 per Sq. ft. Each block is estimated to cost RM 6 million. Total budget for construction of two blocks which can accommodate 1000 students will be RM 12 milllion. Estimated Cost for Each Block No Description Total Unit Total Area (Sq. ft) Cost per Sq ft 1 One Unit ( 3 rooms & 2 Bathrooms) 48 units 40,000 RM 97.00 RM 3,870,000 Ground Floor - 10,800 RM 97.00 RM 1,045,600 Open Space 4 units 11,200 RM 97.00 RM 1,084,400 TOTAL Total Cost RM 6,000,000 Estimated Cost for Two Blocks 26 No of Blocks Cost per Block Number of Students 2 RM 6,000,000 1000 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Total Cost RM 12,000,000 Cost Estimation Cont. (2) Administrative & Workshop Building • • • One (1) abandoned warehouse will be refurbished and converted into an office and training workshop Accommodates 20 classrooms, 1 computer room, 1 library, administration offices and toilet facilities 500 students can be trained in the facility at one time Estimated Cost No of Unit Total Area (sq.feet) 1 23,000 Cost persq. Feet 109 Total Cost RM 2,500,000 (3) Multi-Purpose Hall • • One (1) existing single storey- building will be refurbished and converted into a multi-purpose hall The multi-purpose hall will be designed to meet the needs of the students Estimated Cost of Refurbishment No of Unit 1 Total Area (sq.feet) 4,800 Cost persq. Feet 209 Total Cost RM 1,000,000 (4) Sports Activity Facilities • • An international size football field with a proposed athletic track circuit An indoor multi-sports complex which will be used for futsal, badminton, basketball, netball and as a multi-purpose activity area Estimated Cost Facilities Total Area (sq.feet) Cost persq. Feet Total Cost Indoor multi-sports complex 10,000 200.00 RM 2,000,000 Football Field 75,000 4.00 RM 300,000 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 27 (5) Infrastructure Facilities • Includes car parks for visitors and staff, security guard house, landscaping and other utilities such as power substations, sewage & drainage, fencing and necessities. Estimated Cost Facilities Infrastructure Total Area (sq.feet) - Cost persq. Feet - Total Cost RM 2,000,000 Total Cost Estimation Purpose 1 Accommodation 96 apartment units Total Cost (RM) 12,000,000.00 2 Administration & Workshop Building 25 training workshops and office 2,500,000.00 3 Multipurpose Hall Training & lectures 1,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 4 Sports Activity Facility Indoor multi-sports complex Football field 5 Infrastructure Road, landscape & utilities TOTAL ESTIMATED COST 28 Type Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 300,000.00 2,000,000.00 19,800,000.00 Project Consultants Town Planner Juruasli Consulting Architect A Mariadass Consulting Civil & Structural Consultant Pro JurutekSdnBhd Mechanical & Electrical Consultant Promend Engineering SdnBhd Quantity Surveyor ER Consult Green Building Index Auditor Greenbuild Engineering Consultant Building Committee Chairman Lt. Gen. (R) Dato’ Raja Rashid Bin Raja Badiozaman Deputy Chairman 1 Dr. Shanmugasiva Manickam Pillai Deputy Chairman 2 Mr. Pasupathi Sithamparam Committee Members Dr. Kuppu Velu Mani Mr. Mohan Chockalingam Mr. S. Saravanan Mr. Ir. P. Krishna kumar Mr. Shanmugam Arumugam Secretariat Ms. Selvamalar Selvaraju Mr. Devasharma Gangadaran Mr. Govindaraju Muniyandi Mr. Sashi Sekaran Selvarajah Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 29 Holistic Transformation Intervention AIM 1 Transforming At-Risk Youths AIM 4 Weekend programmes for potential school dropouts / high possibility of getting expelled from school / academically challenged Kalumpang Holistic Youth Transformation Campus AIM 3 Alternative recorrection training for juvenile crime offenders Rehabilitation Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth School dropouts due to poor socio-economic background & other remarks Alternative Education Prevention 30 AIM 2 Socio-Economic Indicators Chart 1 28% of our students are brought up by their mother or relatives (deceased father), another 28% of our student’s fathers are employed as drivers and 13% are un-employed. These are indications of a socio-economically challenged and dysfunctional family background. Chart 2 40% of our student’s families solely rely on their fathers for living expenses and financial support. 87% of our student’s mothers are lowly educated up to the level of UPSR only, consisting of housewives, laborers and cleaners. HOUSEHOLD INCOME of our students families 27% 30% 29% 20% 10% 16% 4% 10% 3% 5% 0% < RM 500 > RM 500 > RM 1000 > RM 1500 > RM 2000 > RM 2500 HOUSEHOLD INCOME Chart 3 Majority of our student’s family households have an income of less than RM 1500. This is considered extremely poor for urban living standards. Households that earn more than RM1500 are minimal and a minority of households earn above RM3000. This indicates that most families are facing financial constraints, exposing members of the family to low quality of life. > RM 3000 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 31 Transformation in Progress Indran, 16 years of age and comes from Sungai Vaani is 20 years of age and has completed her Besi. He grew up at a child shelter home from the age of 9 and quit school at the age of 14 due to financial and emotional problems. His late father whom demised due to alcohol abuse had 5 wives and 31 children. Indran has been through disparities growing up as his mother visits him irregularly and currently has not been in active contact anymore. Now, at MySkills Foundation, he is being trained in electrical skills and would be able to pursue his career and life in a positive manner. He is a great stand-up comedian with an ever enlightening smile and attitude. He is now confident that his lack of SPM qualifications would not hinder him from a job opportunity. secondary education. Unfortunately, she failed her SPM examination and had to work at a local company, as she was unaware of any further opportunity. Later, after which her mother found out about MySkills Foundation via the Vizhutukal program on Astro; Vaani joined us and is currently being trained as a legal secretary. Vaani is highly committed and has shown great dedication in learning and is in course to skilled employment at a legal firm. A reserved yet observant individual whom today has the potential to alter the course of her future positively. Anjali comes from Rawang. She lost her mother recently and has been living under her father’s care. Initially, she was a highly temperamental and an argument-prone teenager. Currently, she is being trained as a legal secretary and the transformational agenda is bearing fruit as she is calmer and more in control of her emotions progressively. She acknowledges the change in her character for the better progressively and is truly happy to be a part of the MySkills student pool. As she always “I love this place and sense of belonging”. Tamizh is 18 years of age and hails from Ipoh. He has completed his Form 4 education, failing to complete his SPM due to difficulties in maintaining proper attitude. His father was a truck driver whom supports 6 children and his mother a housewife. He was enrolled at an awareness talk given by MySkills Foundation at his school and is currently being trained in the field of mechatronics (Level 2). The most important aspect of transformation for Tamizh was the fine-tuning of his attitude. As of today, Tamizh has progressively turned over a new leaf and showcases tremendous focus and ethics. Moreover, he is a talented poet and lyricist, a keen enthusiast of the arts and a vital member of the United Nations Development Program project. Selvi is 20 years of age and comes from Kedah. She completed her SPM examinations however with results that do not qualify her to private or public tertiary institutions. Selvi’s father is a single dad whom is a laborer at road construction sites and the family struggles financially. Selvi is being trained as a legal secretary Level 2 and is always reiterating how grateful she is to be given the opportunity to obtain a qualification that would boost her self-confidence and ensure a stable employment pathway. She is an outstanding, charismatic, strong personality with a sense of devotion to her spiritual beliefs. 32 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Jayam is 19 years of age and comes from Klang. He is the second of three siblings and his father is employed at the local council, as a facilities guardian. His mother recently passed away and although he is facing the loss with some difficulty, he is confident that he would make it through these obstacles progressively. Furthermore, he believes his physical disability cannot hinder his progress in life. A determined individual whom is now in the prevocational module; being assessed and taught basic knowledge before he is enrolled in the core skills training module of his choice. Rajan is a highly energetic young boy whom required proper parental support and guidance. His mother is a security guard whom supports the household due to his father’s physical paralysis. Although being the only son and child, his parents could not afford him minimum care, thereby he grew up in a welfare home ever since. Rajan was enrolled in the pre-vocational course module, whereby he learnt the basics of math, language and science, in order to facilitate his learning in his preferred core course module. Currently, he is in the mechatronics course module; a skills pathway ensuring a shift in his social progress in the future. Rani is 18 years of age and the eldest of two siblings. Having lost her mother at an early age and father when she was 16, she quit school. Instability in her life became pertinent as she lacked parental guidance and was burdened by the autonomy to make life decisions unprepared. She was alike a nomad, living with different relative families, as she struggled to cope with the required of her, financially and emotionally. She has worked odd-jobs and temporary jobs because of financial constraints, lacking support and a concrete family foundation. She was referred to MySkills Foundation by her former care-taker when she was living at a shelter home. Rani is a good communicator in the English language and is currently being trained as a legal / corporate secretary. Today, this highly skilled individual has been salvaged from the ills of society and is on her path to a better, stable, quality life. Shirley is 15 years old and has been living under dire emotional pressure from a young age. Her parents separated when she was 5, causing her mother to suffer from a stress-induced mental disorder. She lived with her grandmother because her mother was incapable of caring for her; the grandmother was able to support the living expenses of Shirley by an uncle’s contribution. However, at age 8, she lived with her sister due to the inability of her grandmother to sustain her financially. Along her young age, she has suffered from emotional and physical abuse, rendering her to rebel and involve herself with negative peers. She was a child playing truant and possibly on the verge of substance handling and worse, abuse. She was introduced to MySkills Foundation by a relative and is currently being trained as a legal / corporate secretary, poised for stable employment and a positive way of life. A young girl, now on a guided and supported growth phase. Athi is 20 years of age and comes from Perak. He completed his SPM examinations, however with poor grads that rendered him unable to further his education at private/public institutions. His father passed away when he was 11 years of age and his mother has been supporting the household of four, working as a laborer. Whilst studying in school, Athi has worked odd jobs to ease the financial burden on his mother; he worked at canopy installers, car wash operators and cleaners. He enrolled in MySkills Foundation upon being introduced by a fellow peer and is currently in the mechatronics course module level 2. He would soon be able to obtain stable employment and is glad to be able to ease the financial constraints faced by his family. Raj was referred to us at age 12 by welfare officers after his mother was fatally ill at a hospital. His father died much earlier due to ill health and was brought up at a welfare home. This young boy came to us with a severe inferiority complex and communication difficulty, being able to merely understand and respond. Today, as a part of our student community, he is progressively improving in his communication abilities and confidence level. An independent boy whom washes his own clothes, cleans his accommodation unit and is able to run tasks in our facility. Raj is being groomed emotionally and physically before his enrolment in our pre-vocational programme. Our intervention in his early life is crucial to the quality of his life movng forward. With MySkills Foundation, he is assured of being given the opportunity to equip himself for a better future. Note: • • All student names mentioned are pseudonyms only. All the above students are currently undergoing skills training and transformation at MySkills Foundation. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 33 Transformational Activities Our YOUth are immersed in these activities as part of our transformational module. The activities offer a variety of experiences that would promote self-realization and selfappreciation, which in turn creates subconscious change in the minds of our youth. life positive experiences to enable better assimilation into society and to understand ‘how to and how it feels’ when they contribute positively in society. This exposure brings recognition, appreciation, ambition and knowledge to our youth. Some of our notable participations are as below:- • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Induction camp Yoga Sports Day Orphanage / Old Folks home visit Parents meeting Movie Analysis Music & Dance Student Leadership Programs PEACE Student Empowerment Bible Knowledge / Hindu Classes Carrom club Sports clubs Green Project (SGP-UNDP) ICT Club Badminton club Football club Fix It Up Team Financial Management by AKPK Drama Therapy Tempe Visits Life Principle Workshop Quit Smoking Rehab Class Motivational talks Table Tennis Club Sunday Cleanliness Drive My Music freestyle My Country My English Communication Our YOUth participate actively in social, recreational and educational programs organized by external partners and internally organized programs. We expose them to real- 34 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Astro Ooranga Nadagam – a Tamil stage play drama competition amongst higher learning institutions from around Malaysia 2013 - 1st Runner Up 2014 – Champion 1 Malaysia Kabadi UKM 2014 – 2nd Runners Up International Earth Day Run 2014 Universiti Malaya ADTEC Shah Alam facility visit Benny Prasad Live in KL Raja Rashid Primus Badminton Championship 2014 Teacher’s Day Celebration Monthly Birthday Gala Saturday Night Fever Tamil Foundation Fund-Raising Dinner 2014 Ponggal Vizha 2012, 2013, 2014 Labor Day 2014 Sports Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia Screening Blood Donation Drive 2014 by MySkills Foundation Expo @ Tractors Malaysia Westport Tour Taman Megah Orphanage Visit LLG Marathon Walk New Year Celebration Mother’s Day Celebration World Mother Tongue Day Event UM Camp by PEACE Istana Budaya, Kannagi Stage Drama Ceramah Pencegahan Dadah by ADDK Tamil School Debate by Astro Cooking competition Singing competition Photography Clinic At Bukit Gasing, Reserve Forest: Jungle Trekking Students in celebrative mood after winning second prizeTransforming at Ooranga Naadagam the Lives of Drama At-Risk Youth Competition organized by Astro-Vanakkam Malaysia. 35 Activities at PEACE Camp Our Football Team: Dato’ Harun-Primus FC International Earth Day Run 36 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Primus Badmintion Team Visit from Astro Visit of Rotary Club of Klang Central Astro Drama Competition Astro Ooranga Nadagam competition SGP-Global Environmental Fund (UN) Performance on Mother Tongue Day 1 Malaysia UKM Kabadi Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 37 Student Statistics All our courses are recognised by the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia and accreditated by the Department of Skills Development, Malaysia. STUDENT INTAKE • Course Level Duration Legal Secretarial Level 3 12 months Mechatronic Level 2 6 months Level 3 12 months Electrical Level 2 12 months Level 3 12 months Welding Level 3 18 months • 38 Courses and Duration Total Students Enrolled Year Legal Mechatronic Secretarial Electrical Welding Bakery Total 2011 25 74 2012 65 65 52 - 0 176 62 13 0 205 2013 51 37 42 6 5 141 31.12.2013 – May 2014 19 36 46 10 5 116 Total Students Enrolled from Dec 2011- May 2014 638 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Cu lina ry We ldin g ecr eta ry Leg al S Me cha tro nic l ica c tr Ele CERTIFICATION & GRADUATES CourseGraduates 2011/12 Session 2012/13 Session 2013/14 Session Legal Secretarial 25 30 13 Mechatronic 22 52 26 Electrical 19 33 17 Welding- 7 0 Total 56 66122 No. of Graduates of 2012 and 2013/2014 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 39 Graduation 2012 First Graduation The first Graduation was held at Institute Pengajian Siswazah, Dewan Auditorium, University Malaya on 10th November, 2012. YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Noh Mohd Yaacob, the then Minister in the Prime Minister Department presented the certificates. 2013 Second Graduation The second graduation was held at University Malaya on 27th July 2013. YBhg, Datuk Dr Pang Chau Leong, Director-General, Department of Skills Development, Human Resource Ministry presented the certificates. 40 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Employment Course Graduate InternshipEmployment Entrepreneurs Legal Secretarial 68 13 52 3 Mechatronic 100 26 69 5 Electrical 69 17 42 10 Welding 7 - 5 2 Total 24456 168 20 STUDENT & EMPLOYMENT 20 56 INTERNSHIP EMPLOYMENT ENTREPRENEURS 168 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 41 Industrial Partners & Collaborating Organizations (Employers) 42 Shukor Baljit & Partners-Adv/Sol S. Ravi & Associates Lin Sun Scaffolding Primus Institute Messers Kalyana Sundram Ferari Car Accessories Singtel PTE Cahaya Elektrik Heritage Concepts & Contractors Grand Blue Wave Hotel Aneka Publication QHC MEDICAL CENTRE Pathi & Associates Hospital Security Services Toyota Service Center, Cheras Hamzah Sulaiman & Partners K. Nadarajah & Partners Jupiter Auto Air-Con & Service Centre Kandiah Chelliah & Partners Tan Chong Motors SMH Rail Sdn Bhd Gerard Lazarus & associates CMP Trading & Supplies Sdn Bhd Fujiaire Letrik Tulin Sdn Bhd Joginder Singh Adv & Solictors Rozirahayu Vijendran & Ass. Riang Teknik Sdn Bhd Amayura’s Beauty & Spa Ramadas Ent./Lorry Transport Ford Service Center, Puchong Ashok Puri Hanifah & co. TD Aziz Property Consultants Ocean Fire Safety Bertam Security Denlite Letrik Sdn Bhd METTROD Tamil Foundation IMD Contracting Enterprise Porcels Electronics Ganendrah & Associates Power Skills Sdn Bhd Alfro Systems Sdn Bhd Straits Corporate Sdn Bhd Dellmax Waters Sdn Bhd Central Forwarding Agency Pertubuhan Sri AgathiarSanmarka Sime Darby Engineering, Subang Crystal Crown Hotel R. Vasanthi & Associates Swedish Motor Assemblies (Volvo) GLX Travel & Tour Smart Media Technology Baldev & Associates Tokio Marine Life Insurance Sahora & Assc. Auction Properties Dynamic Plastic Industries Yong dan Rakan-Rakan Sky Net Courier Service Anbananthan Disposal Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Financial Management Primus a Not-for-Profit Social Solidarity Enterprise relies on below financial sources: (a) Grant from MySkills Foundation (b) Student Fees from PTPK (Perbadanan Tabung Pembangunan Kemahiran) (c) Student sponsorship (from government/other agencies) (d) Individual Donors/Public Donations • The Fees structure for the Course (Charged by Malaysian Skills Training Colleges) Course FEE Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Legal Secretarial (RM) Charges by Food Total Cost Commercial Accomodation Colleges Transport Charges by Percentage PRIMUS of Myskills MYSKILLS Subsidy (%) 5,000 5,000 7,000 17,000 12,000 29,000 5,000 83.0 % - 6,500 8,300 14,800 6,000 20,800 6,500 68.0 % Electrical 5,000 5,000 8,500 18,500 12,000 30,500 5,000 83.0 % Welding 6,000 6,300 7,000 19,300 12,000 31,300 6,300 80.0 % Mechatronic • Manpower Strength versus Number of Students 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Staff Students Volunteers 2011 2012 2013 May-14 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 43 In Media ARTICLE 2 -NATIONAL-THE STAR Thursday August 16, 2012 Making a difference in the lives of youths Story and photos By VINCENT TAN vincent.tan@thestar.com.my PAUZIAH A. KADIR, 49, takes on life with such equanimity even though she was due to be admitted back to the hospital the day after our interview for a lump the doctors found around her right shoulder and back. For starters, Pauziah had both her legs amputated after doctors discovered she suffered from bone cancer. In addition, she had also lost a majority of her finger tips due to cancer. To make ends meet, she rides around on an electric scooter selling nasi lemak made by her neighbour, and other kuih and tid-bits. Despite that she still found the time between March and April to talk to youths at the MySkills Foundation, a non- profit organisation aimed at uplifting Indian youths and dropouts.“When I was in hospital earlier this month, the boys and girls also came to visit me and talk about my experiences, living as a disabled person. The point is, if a disabled person is making an effort to better himself or herself, how about able-bodied people?” she said. Pauziah was one of the volunteers who came by to spend their free time with MySkills Foundation. Not giving up: Pauziah shares her life experiences with the boys. And while imparting technical skills was the aim of non-profit organisation MySkills Foundation, its 44 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth directors believe it is more about changing the mindset of their charges. “About 40% of what we do is actually education. The other 60% is spent trying to change the mindset and way of thinking of our at-risk youths. If you don’t change your mindset, then whatever skills we impart is also useless because the person isn’t motivated to use them,” said foundation Director S. Pasupathi. The organisation which was founded back in April 2010 usually takes in drop-outs and what ordinary society would term “academic failures”. Their most important criteria, according to Pasupathi, was for the youths themselves to realise their mistakes and attempt to change their way of life. The majority of the foundation’s students are Indians youths who have dropped out of school or have failed their SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) examinations. According to Pasupathi and MySkills Executive Director S. Selvamalar, these youths were the ones who needed urgent attention.Selvamalar said that based on the Education Ministry’s statistics, there were approximately 35,000 students enrolled in schools but only 28,000 sit for the SPM and 3,000 sit for STPM.“What happens to those 8,000 youths who drop out between primary and secondary schooling and approximately 2,000 who failed all their subjects in SPM?”. “If there is no proper support system, these youths can easily turn to crime. Our duty is to help them get some form of meaningful employment. It is also not a surprise that majority of the children we teach come from dysfunctional homes with few or no positive role models,” said Selvamalar. The foundation teaches technical skills ranging from welding, automotive and electrical wiring for its male students, while female students generally take up clerical skills, although one of the foundation’s class managers, Devasharma Gangadaran said that one or two girls were currently learning mechanical skills.Some students, like Thurga Ravisandhiran, 19, came to the foundation in January after seeing the positive change in her brother. The right skills: The foundation operates separate training centres for male and female trainees. The two were raised by a disabled relative in Kuala Selangor after their mother left them when Thurga was seven-years-old and the father had only recently returned to the family.“I just finished the first level of my technical skills training and am just starting on the second level. But basically I hope to finish all three levels of certificate training, and at least there’s a better chance for me to find a job,” she said. According Devasharma and Malathi Karuppiah, a fellow lecturer at the foundation, there was a need for volunteers to come and share their experiences, be work or life such as Fauziah, or technical expertise with the foundation’s students.“Generally, we need people who are willing to show our youths the ropes of working in the real world. We do send them out on work attachments and try to get them placements later on,” said Devasharma. He explained that volunteers could be anybody, even someone who is willing to teach them the basics of English language or business skills so that they have a means of getting somewhere in life. To get in touch with MySkills Foundation, one can visit the organisation’s website www.myskills.org.my or visit No. 3, Level 1, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Kuala Lumpur, which incidentally is also the girls’ clerical training building. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 45 ARTICLE 3 – INTERNATIONALSINGAPORE STRAITS TIMES New scheme to save Malaysia’s ‘lost boys’ Vocational courses aimed at keeping academically weak pupils off streets Published on Sep 24, 2012 ValenSinnaya hopes to become a wireman. -PHOTO: ST FILE PHOTO By Carolyn Hong, Malaysia Bureau Chief KUALA LUMPUR - With girls continuing to outnumber and outshine boys at secondary school and university, Malaysia has launched a pilot programme for vocational training in a bid to save the “lost boys”. As part of an effort to keep boys in school, 15 schools began a “taster programme” this year to expose academically weak pupils starting from the age of 13 to vocational skills in areas such as 46 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth carpentry and electrical wiring.” We are trying to catch potential dropouts before they fall out of the system,” Deputy Education Minister Wee KaSiong told The Straits Times. The goal is to teach them work and life skills, and keep them in school long enough that they do not end up on the streets. Mr Wee said those in the scheme earn certificates for each year of study completed, with the Form Four certificate being the vocational equivalent of the usual Form Five school certificate. The “lost boys” phenomenon was raised in the National Education Blueprint, launched a week ago to overhaul a weak school system. The report warned that Malaysia runs the risk of creating a “community of educationally marginalised young Malaysian men”. Alienated youth are a source of great social and political instability, as has been seen across the world in the recent past,” the report said. It said interviews with parents and teachers suggest that some boys struggle with mainstream academic curricula and would benefit from vocational training. According to a Unicef report last year, from 2005 to 2009, about 17,000 of the half a million primary pupils a year in Malaysia did not move on to secondary school. Most were boys, with 85 per cent from poor families. At some universities, girls now make up 70 per cent of the intake. Girls also perform better in school examinations from primary school onwards. Dr Abdul Jalil Ali, an educationist at University Sains Malaysia’s school of educational studies, said shifting towards vocational education could be one way to ensure that all young Malaysians learn some useful skills.” Not everyone thrives in the academic world. The country also needs highly skilled workers,” he said. He said the government also needs to review teaching methods to keep boys interested as research has shown that girls and boys learn differently. Girls tend to learn well in classrooms while boys are less likely to enjoy passive learning. Mr S. Pasupathi, the Director of MySkills Foundation in Port Klang, a non-profit organisation that helps school dropouts, said the problem is serious - many dropouts end up in crime because of poverty and gang influence. He said the problem has long been neglected because the education system focuses on high achievers. Opened two years ago, MySkills now has 300 students, aged 15 to 19, of whom boys number 240. They come from around the country - problematic students who did badly in school. The boys are being taught electrical wiring, welding and mechatronics, while the girls are trained in legal secretarial work. They also learn life management skills such as how to save money and soft skills such as how to manage anger.” These students come to us very hard-headed, and some are involved in gangs. We need to connect with them before they will learn anything,” said executive director S. Selvamalar. Some like Valen Sinnaya, 17, could not even read or write. He had been expelled from five schools by the time he was 14. He was working as a cleaner in low-cost flats for RM400 (S$160) a month.” I didn’t like school - we just copied down everything the teacher said. I slept in class,” he said. “But I like the practical class here - it’s interesting. And the teachers care about us.” Valen has 31 siblings, the offspring of his late father’s five wives. He now hopes to find a job as a wireman, and to run his own business some day. The government hopes to replicate this model in its schools. Mr Wee said more schools will offer the vocational programme next year. Under the scheme, 70 per cent of the focus will be on practical skills, while the remainder will be on soft skills such as communication. He said the ministry was working with businesses in industries such as furniture-making to tailor the courses so they can meet the demand for skilled workers. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 47 48 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth Our achievement We have been awarded a rating of Excellence (90 – 100) for our legal secretary course module and a rating of Very Good (75 – 89) for our electrical and mechatronics course modules, by the Department of Skills Development Malaysia (Ministry of Human Resources). We are proud to announce our achievement for the year 2013 by our dedicated transformation center; Primus Institute of Technology under MySkills Foundation. We have been awarded a rating of Excellence (90 – 100) for our legal secretary course module and a rating of Very Good (75 – 89) for our electrical and mechatronics course modules, by the Department of Skills Development Malaysia (Ministry of Human Resources). The ratings are awarded after a site visit to assess the effectiveness of syllabus module delivery, equipment and infrastructure utilized and volume of students according to the level of certification, by juries/ officials from the Department of Skills Development Malaysia. It is imperative to note that this rating will only be awarded to fully accredited course modules and course modules that are under evaluation pending accreditation by The Department of Skills Development Malaysia. We wish to thank all ministry and department officials, our staff, students, contributors, supporters and all our stakeholders for their unwavering support that has been vital in our progress and achievements. Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 49 Success Stories Thurga Ravisandhiran Employed as an office clerk with Primus Institute of Technology; the wholly owned transformation center by MySkills Foundation, after graduating from the corporate secretary skills training stream.Thurga is now working in an office environment and is an asset to us because she is able to relate to the YOUths undergoing transformation. She is an adviser and mentor for our fellow YOUths, besides administering the front reception desk. Thurga was brought up by her blind uncle whom supported the family by his welfare receipts, and later on, lived at a child welfare home for a couple of years before enrolling at MySkills Foundation. Her education ended after she failed her SPM examinations (failed BM) and was left wandering on her future, however, today with the support and substantial training by MySkills Foundation, she is employed stably and poised for a better future. Kugan Selvaraja Employed as an electrical technician with Heritage Concepts & Contractors, after graduating from our electrical skills training stream. Currently, learning further electrical skills on employment and is a budding entrepreneur servicing air-conditioners and electrical appliances. Prior to joining MySkills Foundation, Kugan worked various odd jobs with no consistency and associated with negative peers, involved in drinking, smoking and various illegal acts. Initially, at 19 when he joined us, he was a severely restless and disobedient individual, however gradually mellowed down and understood the requirements of him. A boy whom recalls his earlier days and admits how grateful he is to be given the opportunity to change for the better. Now, Kugan is capable enough to be given independent work assignments by his superiors and has gained a sense of responsibility toward himself and his surroundings. Suganya Ravindran Employed as an administrative clerk with Straits Consultant, after graduating from the corporate secretary skills training stream. Currently, she is enjoying her learning experience on the job, aided by cooperative and understanding superiors. She was originally from Carey Island, Klang; where both her parents were laborers at ‘Selatan’ Estate in Carey Island. Education wise, she completed up to her PMR examinations, however with below average grades. 50 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth This was a girl whom had to brave the reluctance of her father in sending her out to work and learn further, however today is gainfully employed. Suganya has worked part-time whilst being trained as a legal secretary to support her living expenditure and ease the burden on her parents, whom made enough to support their daily expenses only. The life of a young lady has been improved by the provision of skills training and support until gainful employment by MySkills Foundation. This is the opportunity we offer to our YOUths, an opportunity to change life for the better. Surinkumar Surase Employed at Toyota Service Center, Cheras, since 2012, as a service technician upon graduating from the mechatronics skills stream.Surin was a highly aggressive boy whom dropped out of school due to repeated disciplinary issues, which included fighting and triad involvement. As he was being trained, he displayed good leadership skills and a high sense of commitment towards a given task. He seldom returned home, spending his holidays at our center, working on projects and tasks. Along his training, he performed very well in assessments and became very familiar and thorough in knowledge. A very dedicated individual whom had his innate talents exposed via the opportunities available to him by MySkills Foundation and hindered himself from previous associated social ills. Surin developed a sense of responsibility toward himself and his dependents by the transformational activities and realized the benefits of a life worth living well. Ganeswaran Mathiyalagan Employed at Sime Darby Engineering, Subang as a technician and is a professional footballer with Sime Darby FC playing in the Malaysia Super League. Ganeswaran was a highly energetic and sports inclined individual. Ganeswaran failed his SPM examinations and worked various odd jobs as deemed fit, with no focus. The setback for him was the lack of employable skills and void of opportunity to expose his sports talent. He graduated from our mechatronics skills stream; is currently gainfully employed and achieved his dream of playing professional football. Here, MySkills Foundation has equipped a talented young man with apt skills in order to live his dream, whilst improving his happiness and quality of life. NO: The Making of Transformation Campus for At-Risk Youth Donation Options Kalumpang Campus Accommodation • 2 blocks of 5-storey new hostel buildings • Male and female blocks are separated • Ground floor of each block has the canteen and administration facilities & 4 floors above houses the accommodation units • Each floor will house 12 medium cost apartment accommodation units that can house 10 students per unit • The student hostel blocks (2) will be able to accommodate approximately 1000 students at one time • The hostel buildings are walk-up units without lift facilities and with basic amenities Administrative & Workshop Building • One (1) abandoned warehouse will be refurbished and converted into a school building • Accommodates 25 classrooms, 1 computer room, 1 library, administration offices and toilet facilities • 500 students can be trained in the facility at one time Multi-Purpose Hall • One (1) existing single storey- building will be refurbished and converted into a multipurpose hall • The multi-purpose hall will be designed to meet the needs of the students Sports Activity Facilities • An international size football field and in the second phase of development, a track circuit around the football field • A multi-sports complex which will be used for indoor futsal, badminton, basketball, netball and as an indoor multi-purpose activity area Infrastructure Facilities • Includes car parks for visitors and staff, security guard house, landscaping and other utilities such as power substations, sewage & drainage, fencing and necessities. p Contribution MySkills Community Partner 2000.00 MySkills Premier Community Partner 5000.00 MySkills Platinum Community Partner 10,000.00 Individual Classroom 125,000.00 Apartment Unit 150,000.00 Football Field 300,000.00 Privileges l We are pleased to exclusively invite ALL donors to our Annual Appreciation Dinner. l MySkills Premier Community Partner graced with their respective name or nominated name displayed at the administration building’s wall of honour. l MySkills Platinum Community Partner graced with their respective name or nominated name displayed at the administration building’s wall of honour & eligible to nominate one (1) student whom will undergo skills training at our campus, fully-sponsored by MySkills Foundation. l Apartment Unit donors graced with their respective name or nominated name displayed at the administration building’s wall of honour & their apartment/s named after their respective name or nominated name. I would like to contribute towards the development of OUR Kalumpang Holistic Youth Transformation Campus that would educate and empower the underprivileged, underachieving and at-risk youth in OUR community whilst acquiring skills training and undergoing transformation into competent citizens: Name: NRIC NO : Address: Telephone :Email: Payment method: by Credit Card (Visa / Mastercard) Issuing Bank : Card No: Expiry Date : / Via direct remittance to To receive an Official Receipt, please fax / email the donation form & deposit slip to 03-26918272 / myskillsfoundation@yahoo.com By cheque attached No. please make cheque payable to MySkills Foundation-Building Fund Signature of Cardholder Date (Please fax this form to 03-26918272/ email to us myskillsfoundation@yahoo.com) “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and isofimmortal.” Transforming the Lives At-Risk Youth – Albert Pike 51 The Paradoxical Commandments People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. By Kent M Keith 52 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth www.myskills.org.my with your contribution transformation is possible At-Risk Youth Need Your Help. Make A Difference In A Youth’s Life Now! No. 3, Jalan Yap Ah Shak 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-26919363 / Fax: 03-26918272 Tingkat 1 & 2, Kompleks Hentian Pelabuhan Klang 42000 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor Tel: 03-31679000 / Fax: 03-31679005 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth 53 No. 3, Jalan Yap Ah Shak 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-26919363 / Fax: 03-26918272 Tingkat 1 & 2, Kompleks Hentian Pelabuhan Klang 42000 Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor Tel: 03-31679000 Fax: 03-31679005 MySkills Foundation www.myskills.org.my 54 Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth