Tales of adventure

Sunday December 11, 2011


STORIES about the adventurous journey of a team of trainers captivated the participants of a special English lesson at KJ Generation Resources (KJGR) in Gua Musang, Kelantan recently.

About 55 participants listened to the fascinating experiences shared by the team of eight young adults from the United States. They shared their stories, photos and video clips over several sessions according to the participants’ age group.

“The students were glued to their seats and their eyes stayed focused on every word and image presented to them by the trainers,” said KJGR principal Josephine Kumar.

Team leader Lindsey Gay said the group — which had travelled to India, Nepal, Romania, Moldova, Swaziland, Mozambique, South Africa, Thailand, Cambodia and Australia over 11 months — ended their journey in Malaysia.

The participants listening to the trainers’ stories at the workshop.

“We took turns to share our adventurous stories which included social work and community development programmes which we conducted around the globe,” she said.

“Throughout these 11 months, we served in orphanages, helped the poor and the needy, lived with villagers and worked in farms and helped rehabilitation centres,” she added.

Team member John Hearn said the group had the chance to construct new homes, care for children living with HIV/AIDS, dig a fish pond, and play with street children as they travelled to the 11 countries.

Zakira Imana Zamri, 20, who attended the special lesson, said it was a great opportunity for her to converse with English native speakers and to receive first-hand information about different cultures and social needs around the world.

Wong Pei Leng, 36, and Siti Maziana Muhamad, 27, said that the special programme had helped them overcome their fears to meet and talk to foreigners and native English speakers.

They said they were eager to participate in similar English learning programmes in future to improve their proficiency and confidence in the language.

KJGR focuses on conversational English and character building programmes.

Speed Kills!

 

IN a very short period of time, there had been several horrific road accidents in our country, some involving public transports.

 

We have heard the famous and warning statement for years which says “Speed Kills!” However, unfortunately road accidents are increasing day by day because of some reckless motorists.

 

The accidents that caused deaths and serious injuries to road users including students, teachers, families, government servants, politicians and even tourists are alarming.

 

Some even died as good Samaritans while trying to rescue others. I believe, they deserve recognition for their heroic act.

 

Tragic road crash incidents in our country keep increasing especially in festive seasons. Though this is becoming a usual scenario but what is most sickening is the attitude of some drivers.

 

Inconsiderate drivers and dare-devil motorcyclist who overtakes long queue of vehicles both on the left and right in order to get to their destination faster actually worsens the traffic congestion.

 

Their selfish attitude poses danger to other road users and of course to themselves too. Every festive season, people die on road accidents in our country because of so many reasons including careless and reckless driving.

 

It’s so scary particularly on small roads like the trunk road from Gua Musang, Kelantan to Raub, Pahang which is another danger zone.

 

Besides speeding, the dangerous driving of some who cuts into other drivers’ lane abruptly is really irritating and terrifying. They are even willing to take high risks on double lanes and sharp corners by their foolish acts on the road.

 

Hope the authorities will widen every small trunk roads in the country and light it up as it is also used by motorist including buses and trailers.

 

Traffic police and Road Transport Department (JPJ) should petrol these trunk roads preferably with their motorbikes (in times of traffic congestion) from time to time.

 

They should double up their petrol during festive seasons to avoid more accidents and also to take severe action against those terrifying and selfish motorists who speed, beat the traffic lights and don’t use signal lights before turning.

 

The authorities should also increase the safety measures in accident prone areas by putting up proper signage, reflectors, extra road lights and create emergency lanes so that drivers will be more vigilant.

 

According to a news report in April, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said that road accidents cost the country RM9 billion annually in medical costs, insurance and car repairs. 

 

He said that an average of 6,800 lives were lost to road accidents every year, with 65 per cent of the accidents caused by speeding. As a result of the high cost of road accidents, the government had initiated a number of road safety campaigns.

 

Anyway, the bottom line is: ‘driving manners’ which are much needed in our country to safe lives besides enforcement.

 

Besides, commercial vehicle drivers and company must understand that they are responsible in providing safe journeys for passengers as well as transporting goods.

 

Commercial vehicle drivers must be sent for training to equip them with knowledge to be proactive in handling crucial situations and emergencies during journeys.

 

Meanwhile, parents should ensure the safety of their children and keep them away from playing near roads including in their residential areas. It is advisable to children to be extra careful while crossing busy roads.

 

Motorcyclists and pillion riders should always ware proper helmet and those who are traveling in a car should put on seat belts. These will help to ensure their safety.

 

Please obey the traffic rules at all times. Every road users must always think about their own safety and as well as the safety of others. May God protect all of us as we travel on the road.

 

 

 

Kumarathevan Balakrishnan   

Gua Musang, Kelantan.           

 

Sikap Pentingkan Diri Sendiri Punca Kesesakan Di Musim Perayaan

PENDAPAT

Khamis November 10, 2011

Oleh B. KUMARATHEVAN

SETIAP kali menjelmanya musim perayaan, kebanyakan laluan utama di negara kita sudah pastinya akan mengalami kesesakan lalu lintas yang teruk dan akan bertambah teruk jika hujan.

Walaupun ini adalah senario yang biasa tetapi apa yang paling memalukan adalah sikap sesetengah pemandu kita.

Pemandu-pemandu yang tidak bertimbang rasa sering memotong deretan panjang kenderaan (di kedua-dua belah jalan iaitu kiri dan kanan) dalam usaha mereka untuk sampai ke destinasi dengan lebih cepat.

Sebenarnya nekad mereka itu menambahkan lagi kesesakan lalu lintas. Ramai pemandu juga didapati jarang menggunakan lampu isyarat semasa memotong kenderaan lain.

Sikap mementingkan diri menjadi punca ancaman bahaya kepada pengguna jalan raya yang lain dan sudah tentu kepada diri mereka sendiri.

Tiap-tiap musim perayaan, ramai orang maut akibat kemalangan jalan raya di negara kita kerana pelbagai sebab termasuk kecuaian pemandu.

Ia amat menakutkan terutamanya di jalan-jalan kecil seperti jalan dari Gua Musang, Kelantan ke Raub, Pahang yang saya dan isteri saya gunakan sehari sebelum Hari Raya Aidiladha baru-baru ini.

Pemanduan yang berbahaya oleh beberapa pemandu yang meredah lorong kami secara tiba-tiba itu benar-benar menakutkan.

Malahan mereka juga bersedia untuk mengambil risiko yang tinggi dengan memotong lorong garis berkembar (double line) dan sudut-sudut tajam dengan tindakan tergesa-gesa mereka di jalan raya.

Walaupun terdapat beberapa kemalangan sepanjang jalan raya yang melibatkan kereta, motosikal dan lori, tetapi ini sama sekali tidak membawa keinsafan kepada pemandu-pemandu yang tidak bertanggungjawab ini.

Mereka seolah-olah seperti tidak peduli langung malapetaka yang berlaku di hadapan mata mereka.

Jalan di antara Gua Musang dan Raub yang melalui kawasan terpencil, ladang-ladang kelapa sawit dan getah serta beberapa kawasan kemalangan di sepanjang jalan berkenaan terdedah kepada bahaya terutamanya pada waktu malam kerana ia sempit dan tiada lampu jalan kecuali di beberapa tempat tertentu.

Saya berharap pihak berkuasa akan meluaskan jalan tersebut dan memasang lampu jalan kerana ia juga diguna oleh pelbagai kenderaan berat termasuk bas ekspres dua tingkat dan treler dari Selatan untuk ke Kota Bahru.

Polis trafik dan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) harus mengawasi jalan berkenaan serta jalan utama yang lain sebaik-baiknya dengan motosikal mereka (pada musim perayaan misalnya) dari semasa ke semasa.

Tetapi walau bagaimana sekalipun pihak berkuasa menjalankan penguatkuasaan, tetapi jika tidak wujud kesedaran dan pemanduan secara beradab, rakyat kita akan tetap terdedah kepada ancaman kemalangan maut.

Thumbnails

Why did the bird cross the road?

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Because it wanted to cow the moo-vers! This mynah problem was spotted in Gua Musang, Kelantan.

Date : Saturday, 5-November-2011

Drain-Age society

Thumbnails

There will be no ‘brain drain’ if we teach our children patriotism and how to be civic-minded from a young age. This gotong-royong was held in Gua Musang, Kelantan.

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

Thumbnails

Hirsute hydrant

by Kumarathevan Balakishnan

These moping mops in Sungai Petani, Kedah could do with some shampoo and conditioner.

Date : Wednesday, 5-October-2011

• 
  
  
  
• 
  
  
  

human interest pictures (pt 1)

Tiger power:

Mr.Samy and his 'tiger' are on duty to supply gas to their customers in KL.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Double promo:

This car owner seems like promoting 'go green' campaign and love Malaysia. What a green & patriotic citizen. Spotted in Penang. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Switch on for a corn:

Please switch on to get a corn and wait for the owner to fix the air-cond. Spotted at a homestay in Gua Musang.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fishy business:

Tips to dry salted fish. First dry it under the sun, than heat it up with the gas stove, use as much gas as you wish and if it burns, no worries....use the fire hydrant to put it off. Spotted in Gua Musang.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finger liking good recipe: 

To make your curry taste delicious, wash the lady's finger with soap, rinse it and dry it on a hanger together with your towel. After that you can cook and eat it. Delicious, yummy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kerosene cafe:

This 'cafe' in Gua Musang serves free 'kerosene juice' with every meal for more power. Just kidding.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kitty charity:

If you feel pity for this poor kitty, please donate into this charity box. Shot this picture at a petrol kiosk in Gua Musang. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fire hide-rant: 

A fire hydrant is playing hide and seek in the bushes of Cameron Highlands. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drying exercise:

Exercise machines in Penang are put to good use. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hell rider:

A 'mat rempit' showing off his stupid action on the highway near Kelana Jaya exit. Earlier three other motorist was exhibiting their stunts on the busy road. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

by: Kumarathevan Balakrishnan & Josephine

Arise Malaysia!

1Malaysia is only achievable if we believe in: One destiny for all,Malays, Chinese, Indians and all ethnic groups living in harmony,
All races with various cultures learning to respect one another,

Agreeing with each other in love,

Yearning for greater unity,

Sacrificing their own agendas; and If individualism is replaced with inter-dependency.

Arise Malaysia, This is your time to reveal your glory!

KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN, Gua Musang, Kelantan
letters@nst.com
2010/09/17

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Malaysia Day thoughts: Let's do more for unity
KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN, Gua Musang, Kelantan
letters@nst.com.my
2011/09/16

I AM proud to be a Malaysian. Though I was born more than a decade after the nation gained independence, I love this country because I was nurtured to be patriotic by my parents since young.
I believe Malaysia is a land flowing with "milk and honey", and blessed with different cultures, languages, natural resources and opportunities.

On Aug 31, we enjoyed the Merdeka Day holiday. It was the first time we did not "celebrate" Merdeka Day on its actual date. We are celebrating it today, together with Malaysia Day.

Fifty-four years ago, we received our independence from the British. What a proud moment it was when our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj declared "Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!" in the presence of the rakyat.

At that precious moment, those present would have felt that the dream of total freedom had come to pass and a new era of harmony and progress had begun.

In 1963, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore joined Malaya to form Malaysia. However, Singapore pulled out of the federation two years later.

Today, we celebrate the 48th anniversary of the establishment of Malaysia. But, after so many years, some questions still linger in the minds of people. Are we truly liberated? Is there freedom of expression, press, speech and religion? Are human rights respected? Do we still believe in unity or is it just propaganda? Is there equality? What's happening to our education system? Why is there a brain drain? Why is there racial polarisation? How long or how far will racial and religious issues drag on?

The list may go on, but each one of us must make a stand and put our hands together to bring about a greater transformation in our nation.

Look at Great Britain -- the orderly, developed, civilised, multi-racial and democratic nation. Once a global empire, it fell prey to deadly riots last month. "Great" doesn't mean anything if there is no mutual understanding and unity in a plural society. It's a lesson for us, too.

Don't take unity and peace for granted as it is precious. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, we should move from tolerance to acceptance to achieve greater unity.

Let's stop pointing fingers, throwing accusations, disrespecting the sanctity of places of worship, publishing controversial articles or photos, condemning one another's beliefs and politicising sensitive issues which could cause racial tension.

As faithful citizens, we have the responsibility to show our patriotism by loving our country and countrymen. Respect for one another is essential. All Malaysians must take efforts to be sensitive in handling issues relating to religion and culture for the sake of inter-religious and racial harmony.

The government should emphasise, in every way possible, the five tenets of the Rukun Negara: Belief in God; Loyalty to the King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; and Good Social Behaviour and Morality.

All quarters -- government and non-government -- should continue to combat social illnesses and provide jobs for the unemployed, and better jobs and positions for those who are capable and deserving without looking at one's religion or colour.

The government should continue to create better education opportunities to tackle unemployment, gangsterism, drug addiction and trafficking, and the increasing problem of unwed mothers and dysfunctional families.

To ensure the success of nation building projects, those in power should not forget the wholesome approach of helping all races, especially the poor and the needy.

Imagine how wonderful it would be if all races attend open house gatherings during festive seasons, sit together to watch sports events on big screens, take part in multiracial programmes, go camping or on outings, sit and chit-chat at coffee shops or warung makan or eat durians together, just like some of us continue to do and as we see on television advertisements.

I'm not saying the government, non-governmental organisations or citizens are not doing anything to achieve this; I am saying let's do more.

It's time to learn from past events and do something drastic to improve our lives. I believe all will be well if we practise moderate living, acceptance and mutual respect for one another.

Let's continue to pray for unity and peace. Together, we can make Malaysia a better place to live by building a healthy lifestyle and creating a lasting legacy.

Negaraku

Kids singing Negaraku for Malaysia Day & Merdeka celebration at KJGR Gua Musang, Kelantan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6uEbWbfZJY&feature=share

www.youtube.com

Patriotic family

Thumbnails

Back To Previous Page

Votes : 5Vote it!  5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star 

Patriotic family

by Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

The Jalur Gemilang is the pride of this household in Ipoh.

« Seen this somewhere

Proud to be Malaysian

Friday September 16, 2011

TRULY I am proud to be a Malaysian. I love this country because I was nurtured to be patriotic by my parents since childhood. I believe Malaysia is a land flowing with “milk and honey” – blessed with so many different cultures, languages, natural resources and opportunities.

On Aug 31, we enjoyed the Merdeka Day holiday. Probably this was the first time we did not really “celebrate” Independence Day on the actual date. We will do so today, which is also Malaysia Day.

Don’t take our unity and peace for granted. As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, we should move from mere tolerance to acceptance to achieve greater unity among our multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. We should start to walk this path.

We have the responsibility to show our patriotism by loving our country and our countrymen regardless of race, culture, religion or language. Due respect for one another is paramount.

All Malaysians must be more sensitive in handling religious and cultural issues for the sake of religious and racial harmony.

Stop pointing fingers, throwing accusations, showing disrespect for the sanctity of places of worship, publishing controversial articles, photos or advertisements via mass media, condemning one another’s beliefs and politicising sensitive issues that could cause racial tension.

The Government should emphasise even more constantly, in any way possible, the five tenets of the Rukunegara – Belief in God; Loyalty to King and Country; Upholding the Constitution; Rule of Law; Good Social Behaviour and Morality.

All quarters – Government and non-governmental organisations (NGO) – should continue to combat the various social illnesses and provide jobs for the unemployed and better jobs and positions for those who are capable and deserving without looking at one’s creed or colour.

We must also encourage youngsters to pursue higher education and take up self-improvement courses even as the Government continues to create better education opportunities for them.

To ensure the success of the nation-building process, we should not forget to help the poor and the needy of all races in whichever way possible. If we decide rightfully, we can be a blessing to our beloved country.

Imagine how beautiful it will always be if all races attend open house gatherings on festive seasons, sit together to watch sports events on big screens, take part in multi-racial programmes, go camping or on outings, sit and chat at coffee shops or ‘warung makan’ or eat durians together.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the Government, politicians or NGOs and the citizens are not doing anything.

I’m just emphasising on learning from past events and what’s happening around us.

I have worked in a Malay press for years and most of my friends are Muslims. I join in buka puasa and festive open house events in the office or in their houses and even attend functions organised at mosques.

I believe all will be well if we practice moderate living, acceptance and mutual respect for one another. Let’s continue to pray for unity and peace. Together we can make Malaysia a better place to live in.

Selamat Merdeka and Happy Malaysia Day! God bless Malaysia.

KUMARATHEVAN BALAKRISHNAN,

Gua Musang, Kelantan.

Mari mengisytiharkan “Merdeka!” Dalam Setiap Situasi

PENDAPAT
Jumaat Ogos 26, 2011
 


LIMA puluh empat tahun lalu, kita menerima kemerdekaan daripada British. Ia adalah satu saat yang membanggakan apabila Perdana Menteri kita yang pertama Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj mengisytiharkan: “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” di hadapan rakyat pelbagai kaum, agama dan budaya.

Saya pasti, waktu itu sudah tentu imbasan masa depan yang cerah memancar di mata nenek moyang kita.

Pasti mereka merasakan bahawa impian untuk hidup dalam kemerdekaan sepenuhnya akhirnya telah tercapai dan mungkin satu impian baru untuk hidup dalam keharmonian dan pembangunan progresif ke arah kejayaan telah ‘mengandung’ dalam fikiran mereka pada saat yang berharga itu.

Bangsa Melayu, Cina, India dan kaum-kaum lain pada ketika itu mula bekerjasama sebagai sebuah gabungan untuk memastikan negara kita terus menikmati kebebasan, perpaduan, ketahanan dan meneruskan usaha untuk mencapai kejayaan yang lebih besar.

Kini sudah tentulah renungan masa lampau ini akan memberikan harapan baru bagi kita untuk manghadapi masa depan yang lebih cerah, lebih-lebih lagi ketika rakyat sedang membuat persediaan untuk memperingati ulang tahun Hari Kemerdekaan negara kita sekarang.

Beberapa soalan lazim yang masih berlarutan dalam fikiran beribu-ribu rakyat negara kita ialah: "Adakah kita benar-benar bebas –masih adakah kebebasan bersuara, akhbar dan agama? Masih adakah hak asasi manusia di tanah air ini? Adakah kita masih percaya kepada perpaduan atau ini hanya satu propaganda? Adakah terdapat kesamaan? Apa yang sedang berlaku kepada sistem pendidikan kita? Mengapa terdapat penghijrahan cendekiawan? Mengapa terdapat keunggulan sesuatu kaum dan polarisasi? Berapa lama atau sejauh mana isu-isu perkauman dan agama akan berterusan?”

Rakan-rakan yang disayangi, senarai boleh berterusan tetapi kita mesti membuat satu pendirian dan berganding tangan untuk membawa transformasi yang lebih besar dalam negara kita.

Ya, saya percaya, kita pasti memerlukan campur tangan Tuhan untuk perpaduan nasional dan keamanan.

Lihatlah Great Britain – sebuah negara yang teratur, maju, bertamadun, berbilang kaum dan demokrasi - yang merupakan empayar global pada satu masa dahulu dan pernah memerintah sebahagian besar dunia termasuk negara kita, kini telah menjadi mangsa rusuhan baru-baru ini.

Kegagahan sesebuah negara tidak bermakna jika tiada persefahaman dan perpaduan dalam sesebuah masyarakat majmuk. Ia benar-benar satu pengajaran yang baik untuk dipelajari.

Oleh yang demikian, jangan ambil isu perpaduan dan keamanan dengan sewenang-wenangnya! Ia amat berharga. Apabila Perdana Menteri kita, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak beberapa kali mengingatkan rakyat untuk bergerak dari bersikap toleransi semata-mata ke tahap penerimaan bagi mencapai perpaduan yang lebih besar di kalangan masyarakat berbilang agama, kaum dan budaya, kita harus mengambil ikhtibar untuk membawa perubahan.

Berhenti menuding jari, melemparkan tuduhan, menodai kesucian tempat ibadat, menerbitkan artikel, gambar atau iklan-iklan yang kontroversi melalui media massa atau saling mengutuk kepercayaan orang lain dan mempolitikkan isu-isu sensitif yang boleh mencetuskan ketegangan kaum.

Sebagai warganegara yang setia, kita mempunyai tanggungjawab untuk menunjukkan semangat patriotik terhadap negara kita yang disayangi juga terhadap rakyat jelata walaupun kita berbeza bangsa, agama, budaya dan bahasa.

Sikap menghormati antara satu sama lain adalah amat diperlukan oleh sebuah negara seperti Malaysia.

Kerajaan perlu memberi perhatian yang lebih serius dan sentiasa mengingati rakyat dengan pelbagai cara tanpa mengenepikan lima prinsip Rukun Negara iaitu Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan; Kesetiaan kepada Raja dan Negara; Keluhuran Perlembagaan, Kedaulatan Undang-Undang; Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan.

Semua pihak - kerajaan, pembangkang mahupun pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) - perlu terus memerangi pelbagai gejala sosial dan berusaha untuk mewujudkan peluang-peluang pekerjaan kepada yang menganggur dan jawatan yang lebih baik bagi mereka yang berkebolehan dan berhak tanpa melihat kepercayaan atau warna kulit seseorang.

Selain itu, kita juga mesti menggalakkan anak-anak muda untuk melanjutkan pelajaran ke peringkat yang lebih tinggi dan mengambil kursus-kursus pembangunan diri sementara kerajaan terus mencipta peluang pendidikan yang lebih baik untuk membendung kadar pengangguran, gangsterisme, penagihan dadah dan penyeludupan, peningkatan masalah anak luar nikah dan keluarga pincang.

Untuk memastikan kejayaan projek-projek pembinaan bangsa, kita tidak harus lupa pendekatan baik untuk membantu semua bangsa terutama orang miskin dan yang kurang kemampuan dalam apa jua cara yang munasabah.

Jika kita bersatu hati untuk membawa perubahan yang drastik, kita boleh jadi satu rahmat kepada tanahair tercinta ini.

Bayangkan betapa indahnya untuk terus melihat semua bangsa dijemput makan bersama di majlis berbuka puasa, menghadiri majlis keramaian dan perkahwinan pelbagai kaum, duduk bersama menonton acara sukan pada skrin besar, mengambil bahagian dalam program-program melibatkan masyarakat majmuk, pergi berkhemah atau makan angin, duduk dan bersembang di kedai kopi serta warung makan atau makan durian bersama seperti apa yang dipraktikkan oleh segelintir masyarakat dan juga sepertimana kita sering melihat dalam iklan TV.

Jangan salah faham, saya tidak menuduh bahawa kerajaan atau ahli politik, NGO dan warganegara yang lain tidak melakukan apa-apa tetapi saya hanya mengatakan bahawa sudah tiba masanya untuk kita semua belajar dari masa lalu serta daripada situasi yang berlaku di sekeliling kita dan segera melakukan sesuatu yang drastik dan lebih munasabah untuk memperbaiki kehidupan kita.

Saya pernah berkhidmat di sebuah syarikat Melayu selama bertahun-tahun dan kebanyakan kawan-kawan saya adalah beragama Islam.

Kami menikmati masa kami bersama-sama, saya sering menyertai mereka dalam acara berbuka puasa di pejabat atau di rumah mereka dan juga menghadiri majlis yang dianjurkan oleh pihak masjid. Kami juga membincangkan perkara-perkara yang berkaitan dengan agama dengan rasa hormat yang sewajarnya.

Saya percaya, semua akan baik jika kita mengamalkan pendekatan yang sederhana, penerimaan dan sikap saling hormat menghormati antara satu sama lain. Jadi mari kita mengisytiharkan “Merdeka!” atas situasi-situasi yang kita hadapi setiap hari dalam hidup dan masyarakat kita sehingga ia tercapai.

Terus doakan untuk perpaduan dan keamanan. Bersama kita boleh menjadikan Malaysia sebuah tempat yang lebih baik untuk hidup.

Kumarathevan Balakrishnan

TOWARDS SUCCESS

Story and photos by: Kumarathevan Balakrishnan.

EGGS, few toothpicks and plasticine were given to young participants at a brainstorming session called the “Solid Eggs”.

Each one of them are required to work as a team to form a ‘shield’ around the eggs using the tools given to them to make sure the eggs remain unbreakable when it’s dropped to the ground.

Some of the participants were successful in their attempt and proved that all things are achievable if they practice teamwork.

About forty participants who attended two different sessions for primary and secondary school students respectively enjoyed the Character Building and Motivation Programme namely “Towards Success” organised by KJ Generation Resources (KJGR) in Gua Musang, Kelantan recently.

The special programme conducted by a team of motivation trainers from Serdang, Selangor was filled with excitement and full of activities.

"It was truly a fun filled moment. ‘Spider-web, crab soccer, human knots, tiger-cabbage-goat, shape building (participants blindfolded) and you fall-we catch’ were among some of the team building and problem solving activities used to help participants understand the challenges and ways to be successful in life.”   

“The whole programme is designed to prepare students for exams and future undertakings. We also distributed to the students a lot of leaflets from various varsities in the country to build their confidence to look beyond their limitations,” said the team leader, Rena Esmeralda.

Besides providing many tips and giving motivation talks, the team also shared their college and university’s experiences to encourage the students to always aim high and achieve greater heights in life.

“Towards the end of the programme, the participants were given a slot to showcase their talents. Each team performed a skit in English to show some attributes of good character and how it helps others and make them to be a successful person,” she added.

KJGR’s principal, S.Josephine said, the centre which focuses on building character and teaching English the easy way will continue its effort to organise more educational programmes such as this in the near future.

Photos:

 

Participants taking part in the “Solid Egg” activity.

   

Happy: The participants enjoying themselves as they learn some useful study technique tips.

    

Teamwork: “You fall-we catch” and “Spider-web” were among the activities used by the trainers to encourage teamwork among the participants.

  

Talentime: Participants unleashing their hidden talents by staging skits in English.

Rejoice: Some of the participants rejoicing after receiving their certificate of participation at the ‘Towards Success’ – a character building and motivation programme in Gua Musang.

Ends.