Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth

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.
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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
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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,”
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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%
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Artistic view of the
campus, hostel
accommodation
and Training &
Transformation Centre
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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
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Male Hostel
Warden / Lecturer House
Sewerage Treatment Plant
Mini Stadium
Guard House
Farm and agro-cultivation
Transforming the Lives of At-Risk Youth
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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
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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 [email protected]
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 / [email protected]
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 [email protected])
“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

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