This simple truth motivates our theme for the year – Nation Building. We live in a young country which has progressed so far in such a short time and now we face the growing pains of our achievements – such as inequality of wealth and opportunity, racial discord, environmental pressures and growing crime in our cities.
We believe one of the first steps in moving forward in resolving issues is open and constructive dialogue, with which we hope to influence our members and the wider community in a positive way.
We have been encouraged that our open public series of forums have been very well received. The forums cover topics such as:
- Malaysia’s Response to Climate Change (23 May 07)
- Nation Building through Accountability, Transparency and Integrity
(5 July 07)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (15 Nov 07)
We are fortunate that eminent speakers in their respective fields have gladly volunteered their time to speak in these forums and have engaged the general public.
The Chevening Alumni also intends to focus on education and children. We would like to begin our first step in volunteering time and effort in helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Teach for Kids Programme
The ‘Teach for Kids’ Programme is a sustainable activity where volunteers help with school work to children in an orphanage/home. The children are aged between 7 to 12 years, and attend primary school.
Key aspects of the programme:
- Sustainability
- Child-focused development
- Provide a sense of consistency and continuity to the child
How the programme works:
- Volunteers are encouraged to volunteer their time on a minimum of once a fortnightly basis.
- The volunteer will spend about 1 to 2 hours to teach the children and help out with school work. The subjects that are most in demand are Mathematics and English.
- A schedule will be coordinated to ensure the home will be visited at least once a week.
Why is it sustainable?
- By volunteering a minimum of once a fortnightly only, many working adults who have the intention to be involved in community service, will find that this commitment practical and achievable.
- It is important that the child have a sense of consistency, and volunteers also benefit as they know that it is not just a one-off, feel good event.
- The volunteers are encouraged to contact and keep updated amongst themselves, so that they are aware of the children’s progress.
For those interested to know more about the ‘Teach for Kids’ Programme, please email meibridgette@yahoo.com
Our hope is that in due course these efforts will only grow to bigger and more far reaching. Our vision for this alumni group is great and will only grow greater with increased support from the members.
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