Creating new pathways for B-40 and marginalised communities
The 7th MySkills graduation, held at its Youth Transformation and Entrepreneurship campus in Kalumpang, Selangor celebrated the success of 250 graduates in various fields of study. MySkills, established in 2011 stands as a beacon of hope for many B-40 and marginalised communities, who otherwise might have ended up on the streets, with no hope of a good education. Whether to gain a skill or a form of training in various vocational skills and trade, it would allow them to join the work force.
The foundation also provides an alternate solution for students struggling in traditional schools.
Identifying new pathways of learning
After an initial study of the issues at hand and identifying the nature of the “crisis”, MySkills put up a transformation plan. The rejected students were from various difficult circumstances. Many were from dysfunctional families, grew up with grandparents, single mothers, exposed to gangsterism, lived in cramped, unsafe environments and lived in poverty. Some of the youths were brought up in a loving and supportive environment but had fallen under the influence of substance abuse and negativism.
MySkills then developed a holistic transformation skills training program that focuses on character re-engineering with skills competency for sustainable human development. Currently, MySkills operates at its 34-acres campus in Kalumpang, Selangor.
Veloo (not his real name), 15 years old was often seen seeking shelter under a bridge, in dishevelled and unkempt clothes. Finally a good Samaritan took pity on him and sent him to MySkills Foundation, where he eventually trained in a vocational profession, and went on to become a successful individual.
So Murugan, Priya, Tamil Selvam, Kamal (not their real names) were each given a second chance, boarded at Kalumpang, where they were protected and sheltered from gangsters, drug dealers and other subversive elements.
Among the training courses offered, Malaysian Vocational Certificate, single phase electrical installation and maintenance at various levels, executive secretaryship, where they can work in leadership roles and utilise their skills.
Success stories
The Raja Dato’ Rashid Raja Badiozaman Award, represents a Transformation Award 2024/2025, was awarded to Kumuthan Raman, who now works as an EV technician.
The MySkills Excellence Award 2024/25 was given to Karthikreyan Nagendran, who today holds a diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.
The Special Jury Award 2024/25 was given to Mohammed Jamin, who after six years at MySkills today works as a marshall at Sepang International Circuit. Goo Choi Mei, whose determination presented an opportunity to study in China for digital commerce and finally Praga, whose journey towards independant living is an exceptional story. She travelled from Port Dickson for five years, and is recognised by her employer as an asset.
Another outstanding star, Kesava Raaj, came from the Ramakrishna Home, where had completed his SPM, and decided to develop, practical and employable skills. At Myskills, he enrolled in the residential SKM Level 2 electrical course, a decision that would change his life forever.
He then made the decision to return to hometown in Penang and assist his mother. He was then offered the position of electrical lecturer at a local college and managed to save enough money to buy a motorcycle and eventually a house, a far cry from his early days.
According to S. Pasupati, founder and one of the current directors of MySkills, who himself had a life full of challenges, but overcame them.
“During my practice, the magistrate would refer many cases of juvenile delinquency to me for further action, where in view of the circumstances; the boys deserved a second chance instead of a jail sentence.”
Since its inception, MySkills has impacted the lives of 3,000 young lives through its various skills programme ranging from single phase electrical wiring to executive secretaryship. The journey gives them a second chance to pick up a career.
More information on MySkills Foundation’s initiatives are available at www.myskills.org.my
