Orang Asli achieve success with funding for projects
WHILE indigenous communities in Malaysia struggle on many fronts such as education, sourcing for income-generating projects to fund their communities, the RYTHM foundation has successfully made a difference by implementing a series of projects.
Over three years across Sabah, Pahang, Kedah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan, RYTHM worked with partners to uplift the Orang Asli (OA) communities in various strategic areas.
One success story, Imelda Kasung from the mist shrouded highlands of Kiulu, Sabah can stand proud with her home-made bottle of “Sambal Liposu”, made from forest chilis that grow naturally in the area.
With funding from RYTHM, Imelda was able to learn how to bottle and market the “Kiulu Kio” label and achieve a level of success in marketing and selling the item.
This is only part of the work carried out by the foundation.
The diverse communities from the Dusun, Bateq, Kensiu, Jakun and Semelai indigenous people across five states have also experienced dramatic upward changes in their literacy rates as children participate in tuition classes after school, while youth and women have succeeded in generating income that has not only increased but tripled household income.
Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, chairperson of RYTHM foundation said: “Our work with the Orang Asli (OA) is not about charity but about solidarity. At the foundation, we believe empowerment means listening before we lead and walk beside communities as partners.
“Every project we support – from classrooms in Pahang to eco-tourism in Kedah is an investment in dignity, resilience, and a future where indigenous voices are not only heard but honoured.”
Academic support programme (ASP)
Among the initiatives were to provide after school tuition, with high rates of attendance achieved over three years. Results showed that over 98 percent of (OA) students in the programme were able to display mastery in the areas of reading, writing and comprehension.
Youth empowerment programme (YEP)
The concept behind the YEP was to set up ecotourism ventures in three villages, Watu Kokoluton Hill (also known as Kg Talantang), located in Kota Marudu, Sabah, Sangod Hill (Kg Lokub) and Ratau Campsite (Kg Ratau), both located at Kiulu Sabah.
The youths located at these places have benefitted from skills development, while fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their communities.
These eco-ventures have succeeded in attracting international tourists looking for adventure and local culture, and also contribute to environmental conservation.
All three of these projects have contributed collectively to generating a gross income amounting to RM 44,000, over three years, thus ensuring a steady income for youths. The membership of youth connect circle YCC) composed of local youth, has also increased from 12 members to 22.
These sessions were valuable as they equipped the youths in the locality with the knowledge needed to work in the local ecotourism industry as tour guides.
Since the inception of these ecotourism ventures, the numbers of international tourists has picked up in tourist destinations in Sabah.
Women empowerment programmes
The purpose behind OA women empowerment programmes by RYTHM foundation was to create a source of income for the women, which would give them financial independence and a sense of pride in generating an income on their own.
There were preliminary discussions held with the women in the locality of Kg Ratau, Kg Talantang and kg Lokub in Sabah, to determine what economic ventures would be most suitable.
Together the OA women also formed a Kiulu community collective enterprise (KCCE) with representation from all three villages.
With the brand name of “Kiulu Kio” they ventured into creating and marketing two products in their locality, which was the ‘Liposo’ fruit known as the Sabah apple and banana stem.
Thus, the lives, educational opportunities and income levels of the OA students, women and youths have been uplifted with grants allocated by RYTHM foundation towards the betterment of the indigenous community.
