Thursday, 30th December 2010
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. Everything seems to be so final. I am feeling melancholic. Tomorrow we will bid 2010 - adieu and welcome 2011 with gutso.
As for FRIENDS OF KAPAR, we bid 2010 - good-bye & thank you. Good bye old friend, we won't be passing thorough again, you will always be our bitter sweet memory. Thank you for making us wiser. Thank you for allowing us to make a difference in many, many lives. Thank you for allowing us to touch others and hence enriching ourselves.
As for me personally, my life is so closely connected to FRIENDS OF KAPAR. My waking hours are divided equally between FoK and my dearly beloved Family (Shah, Eva & The Cats!). I look at 2011 with renewed hope - hope that FoK's mission will continue.
I hope that FoK will continue to make a difference in many more lives - regardless of race, religion, culture & political beliefs - elsewhere, everywhere and not only in Kapar. Let the truth be known that there are many, many other impoverished areas tucked away, so remote and unknown to us. Places where children run around without clothes on their backs and hunger is their best friend. Where infants are fed with black tea in their feeding bottles and snorts running thickly down their noses into their mouths.
I pray and hope that FRIENDS OF KAPAR has the strength to carry on making a difference in these places and to these lives.......in 2011.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Beyond Kapar......
Wednesday, 29th Deecember 2010
There's only 3 more days left to 2010. Soon it would be "sayonara" 2010 & "moshi-moshi" 2011. I am somewhat apprehensive. In 2011 - Eva (our - as in Shah's & mine - daughter) will be sitting for her PMR exams. I am after all a parent first, and just like any other parent, I am worried! I am worried for her performance as well as for MY performance. Will I be able to juggle parenthood with an exam-sitting-teenager and FRIENDS OF KAPAR with its issues? Hmm.........."Nisi Dominus Frustra"
I am proud to announce that FRIENDS OF KAPAR has come a full circle. It has managed to widen its web of assistance. In doing so, it has made a difference in the lives of not only to our friends in Kapar but also those of countless other friends we came across - in Kota Bharu, Kelantan as well as to our Orang Asli friends - in Mentakab, Temerloh & Jerantut. In its mission statement - the objective of this humble NGO is to make a difference in many many lives regardless of race, religion, culture & political beliefs. In the second half of the year 2010 - we have managed to do just that!
On Saturday, 30th October 2010 - FRIENDS OF KAPAR paid a visit to Mentakab, Pahang. 10 families were assisted with food pacakages. We also visited an Orang Asli Settlement deep in the jungle of Kuala Krau. What we saw in the Settlement was very touching. Children were running around without clothes. The lucky ones have tattered clothes on their backs. The adults were not any better. They live in huts. We felt that we were in a different civilization altogather. We contributed 20kg - rice, 5 kg - potato, 10 tins - sardines, 2 packets - 3.5kg meehoon, 2 tins - biscuits, 2 tins - 2kg tin MILO for the children's sustenance. We also distributed some biscuits, chocolates, sweets, bars of soap for each of the children.
Every Saturday at about 2pm the children in the Settlements will come togather to play games, sing songs, learn to read & write. They do these activities in a clearing in the jungle. FRIENDS OF KAPAR hopes to start a small Activity Centre - similar but in a smaller scale to that of The CNC (Kapar). The CNC (Mentakab) - Community Nurture Centre (Mentakab) - is what we plan to call it, will be a place for The Mentakab Kidz to call their own. Hopefully 2011, will see that this dream materialize.
It is also our hope to assist 30 families in Mentakab with food packages regularly. Their needs are not much different from those of The Kapar Folks. The usual packet would include - rice, meehoon, flour, sugar, salt, oil & coffee powder.
On Friday, 26th November 2010, I made a personal trip to Kota Bharu in Kelantan. There, I stayed at The Renaissance Hotel, KB. I was taken aback to see a gaily decorated Xmas tree. On that tree were hung 100 little wish cards written by poor & underprivileged children requesting for back-to-school items. I collected 64 of these cards and brought them back to KL. Within 10 days, with the help of Volunteers, we bought the requested items, packed them individually and couriered them to The Renaissance Hotel to be distributed to these children when school reopens in 2011. I wish to record a special "Thank You" to Mr. Lee of Expressway who had taken great length in collecting these items, packing them and sending them safely to Kota Bharu without charging a single sen! Thank You So Much, Mr. Lee for making a difference to these 64 children. You have ensured that they are able to start the school year on the right foot!
FRIENDS OF KAPAR - without realizing and unconciously - has manged to make a difference in all walks of lives. We have fulfilled our mission and most importantly we have covered a cross section of the Malaysian Society, regardless of race, religion, culture & political beliefs.
This we hope will continue in 2011.......
There's only 3 more days left to 2010. Soon it would be "sayonara" 2010 & "moshi-moshi" 2011. I am somewhat apprehensive. In 2011 - Eva (our - as in Shah's & mine - daughter) will be sitting for her PMR exams. I am after all a parent first, and just like any other parent, I am worried! I am worried for her performance as well as for MY performance. Will I be able to juggle parenthood with an exam-sitting-teenager and FRIENDS OF KAPAR with its issues? Hmm.........."Nisi Dominus Frustra"
I am proud to announce that FRIENDS OF KAPAR has come a full circle. It has managed to widen its web of assistance. In doing so, it has made a difference in the lives of not only to our friends in Kapar but also those of countless other friends we came across - in Kota Bharu, Kelantan as well as to our Orang Asli friends - in Mentakab, Temerloh & Jerantut. In its mission statement - the objective of this humble NGO is to make a difference in many many lives regardless of race, religion, culture & political beliefs. In the second half of the year 2010 - we have managed to do just that!
On Saturday, 30th October 2010 - FRIENDS OF KAPAR paid a visit to Mentakab, Pahang. 10 families were assisted with food pacakages. We also visited an Orang Asli Settlement deep in the jungle of Kuala Krau. What we saw in the Settlement was very touching. Children were running around without clothes. The lucky ones have tattered clothes on their backs. The adults were not any better. They live in huts. We felt that we were in a different civilization altogather. We contributed 20kg - rice, 5 kg - potato, 10 tins - sardines, 2 packets - 3.5kg meehoon, 2 tins - biscuits, 2 tins - 2kg tin MILO for the children's sustenance. We also distributed some biscuits, chocolates, sweets, bars of soap for each of the children.
Every Saturday at about 2pm the children in the Settlements will come togather to play games, sing songs, learn to read & write. They do these activities in a clearing in the jungle. FRIENDS OF KAPAR hopes to start a small Activity Centre - similar but in a smaller scale to that of The CNC (Kapar). The CNC (Mentakab) - Community Nurture Centre (Mentakab) - is what we plan to call it, will be a place for The Mentakab Kidz to call their own. Hopefully 2011, will see that this dream materialize.
It is also our hope to assist 30 families in Mentakab with food packages regularly. Their needs are not much different from those of The Kapar Folks. The usual packet would include - rice, meehoon, flour, sugar, salt, oil & coffee powder.
On Friday, 26th November 2010, I made a personal trip to Kota Bharu in Kelantan. There, I stayed at The Renaissance Hotel, KB. I was taken aback to see a gaily decorated Xmas tree. On that tree were hung 100 little wish cards written by poor & underprivileged children requesting for back-to-school items. I collected 64 of these cards and brought them back to KL. Within 10 days, with the help of Volunteers, we bought the requested items, packed them individually and couriered them to The Renaissance Hotel to be distributed to these children when school reopens in 2011. I wish to record a special "Thank You" to Mr. Lee of Expressway who had taken great length in collecting these items, packing them and sending them safely to Kota Bharu without charging a single sen! Thank You So Much, Mr. Lee for making a difference to these 64 children. You have ensured that they are able to start the school year on the right foot!
FRIENDS OF KAPAR - without realizing and unconciously - has manged to make a difference in all walks of lives. We have fulfilled our mission and most importantly we have covered a cross section of the Malaysian Society, regardless of race, religion, culture & political beliefs.
This we hope will continue in 2011.......
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
When the heart speaks.....
Tuesday, 28th January 2010
As I have written in the earlier blog - 2010 is quickly coming to an end. With the end of 2010 and the arrival of 2011, I am full of hope....a freshly renewed hope of making a difference in Kapar and elsewhere - where the poor & the underprivileged can be assisted regardless of race, reigion, culture & political beliefs!
2010 saw a full year of activities and events in Kapar. The Kapar Kidz had benefitted from the assistance given by FRIENDS OF KAPAR with the help of kind Contributors. The CNC (Kapar) has blossomed from just a building into that of a "home" & a centre. The Resources Centre is slowly taking shape. Books are being donated for the children's intellectual enjoyment. The Toy Library is overflowing with toys! The Computer Centre will slowly be taking shape in 2011 - after a setback - a kind Contributor has pledged 8 PCs for The Kapar Kidz. The Tuition Centre is full to its brim with young learners. Next year, more classes are being opened to cater to this growing demand of more serious learners. The Activity Centre has added a Dancing Class & an Art Class to its activities. In 2011, a Contributor & her group of friends have pledged to start an Indian Classical Music Class at The CNC (Kapar). Let's hope that will be a reality......
The CNC (Kapar) - started in February 2010 with the objective of catering to the needs of The Kapar Kidz & The Kapar Youths. This objective has clearly been achieved!
Kapar is where I started FRIENDS OF KAPAR - it opened my eyes & my heart to real poverty. After entering Kapar, I saw many things that I have not seen (or pretend not to see). Coming from a different racial background, the problems faced by the Indian Folks of Kapar and in the estates are something that is far and detached from my normal everyday life. Yes, I read about them in the newspapers but - hey...it does NOT concerned me! Why bother?? But entering Kapar has changed all that perception. I see many things in a different light now.
2010 - saw me working very, very hard - especially in the 2nd half of the year - to make a difference in Kapar. It was tough but feasible! "Nissi Dominus Frustra" - "Nothing is Impossible" is my motto!
It is my endeavour to use The CNC (Kapar) as a pilot project. I hope to set up a similar CNC elsewhere, tucked away in some remote and unknown place - another place where children can call it their own........
As I have written in the earlier blog - 2010 is quickly coming to an end. With the end of 2010 and the arrival of 2011, I am full of hope....a freshly renewed hope of making a difference in Kapar and elsewhere - where the poor & the underprivileged can be assisted regardless of race, reigion, culture & political beliefs!
2010 saw a full year of activities and events in Kapar. The Kapar Kidz had benefitted from the assistance given by FRIENDS OF KAPAR with the help of kind Contributors. The CNC (Kapar) has blossomed from just a building into that of a "home" & a centre. The Resources Centre is slowly taking shape. Books are being donated for the children's intellectual enjoyment. The Toy Library is overflowing with toys! The Computer Centre will slowly be taking shape in 2011 - after a setback - a kind Contributor has pledged 8 PCs for The Kapar Kidz. The Tuition Centre is full to its brim with young learners. Next year, more classes are being opened to cater to this growing demand of more serious learners. The Activity Centre has added a Dancing Class & an Art Class to its activities. In 2011, a Contributor & her group of friends have pledged to start an Indian Classical Music Class at The CNC (Kapar). Let's hope that will be a reality......
The CNC (Kapar) - started in February 2010 with the objective of catering to the needs of The Kapar Kidz & The Kapar Youths. This objective has clearly been achieved!
Kapar is where I started FRIENDS OF KAPAR - it opened my eyes & my heart to real poverty. After entering Kapar, I saw many things that I have not seen (or pretend not to see). Coming from a different racial background, the problems faced by the Indian Folks of Kapar and in the estates are something that is far and detached from my normal everyday life. Yes, I read about them in the newspapers but - hey...it does NOT concerned me! Why bother?? But entering Kapar has changed all that perception. I see many things in a different light now.
2010 - saw me working very, very hard - especially in the 2nd half of the year - to make a difference in Kapar. It was tough but feasible! "Nissi Dominus Frustra" - "Nothing is Impossible" is my motto!
It is my endeavour to use The CNC (Kapar) as a pilot project. I hope to set up a similar CNC elsewhere, tucked away in some remote and unknown place - another place where children can call it their own........
Monday, December 27, 2010
Looking back.....
Monday, 27th December 2010
2010 is quickly coming to an end. I am writing this abroad - not at my usual comfort zone of my Work Station. I am on holiday - taking a much deserved year end break with my Family. However, FRIENDS OF KAPAR is never out of my mind. It sits there hovering, watching, waiting ....eagerly waiting for me to start making a difference again.
2010 has been very busy. It has been a very eventful year! It has also been an eye opener and a learning curve for me. Friendships were delightfully made and foes were regretfully discovered. Hopefully forgiveness can be found - tis after all a season for joy & giving (forgiveness included!).
FRIENDS OF KAPAR would NOT and could NOT have existed without the generous assistance of countless individuals who shared their benevolence. Without them we would not have been able to make a difference in Kapar and to the other impoverished areas.
To ALL - Thank You So Much for Making a Difference! Happy New Year - May 2011 bring Joy & Happiness to you and your loved ones!
2010 is quickly coming to an end. I am writing this abroad - not at my usual comfort zone of my Work Station. I am on holiday - taking a much deserved year end break with my Family. However, FRIENDS OF KAPAR is never out of my mind. It sits there hovering, watching, waiting ....eagerly waiting for me to start making a difference again.
2010 has been very busy. It has been a very eventful year! It has also been an eye opener and a learning curve for me. Friendships were delightfully made and foes were regretfully discovered. Hopefully forgiveness can be found - tis after all a season for joy & giving (forgiveness included!).
FRIENDS OF KAPAR would NOT and could NOT have existed without the generous assistance of countless individuals who shared their benevolence. Without them we would not have been able to make a difference in Kapar and to the other impoverished areas.
To ALL - Thank You So Much for Making a Difference! Happy New Year - May 2011 bring Joy & Happiness to you and your loved ones!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The End of the Year Cheer!!
Sunday, 5th December 2010
FRIENDS OF KAPAR threw a Xmas Carnival for The Kapar Kidz. A total of 300 adults and children attended the Party.
Cynthia, Zaidi & Nad - volunteered to decorate The CNC. This was done on Saturday with The Kapar Kidz help. They put up a nice Xmas tree to evoke the spirit of Xmas. Cynthia & her friends sponsored goodie bags for The Kapar Kidz, too. Lunch was jointly sponsored by Cynthia's Mom - sambal chicken, vegetable dhall, fried veg, pineapple & cucumber salad and apples, Rotary Club Melawati sponsored mutton perathal, egg sambal, keasari and jelly & Sri Narayani Foundation sponsored the rice.
Adrian - Cynthia's friend sposored a clown for the children's entertaintment. He came with his wife who brought 60 beautifully decorated cupcakes which we all dovoured with gutso.
Thank You So Much for making today a success! Thank you for making a difference!
FRIENDS OF KAPAR threw a Xmas Carnival for The Kapar Kidz. A total of 300 adults and children attended the Party.
Cynthia, Zaidi & Nad - volunteered to decorate The CNC. This was done on Saturday with The Kapar Kidz help. They put up a nice Xmas tree to evoke the spirit of Xmas. Cynthia & her friends sponsored goodie bags for The Kapar Kidz, too. Lunch was jointly sponsored by Cynthia's Mom - sambal chicken, vegetable dhall, fried veg, pineapple & cucumber salad and apples, Rotary Club Melawati sponsored mutton perathal, egg sambal, keasari and jelly & Sri Narayani Foundation sponsored the rice.
Adrian - Cynthia's friend sposored a clown for the children's entertaintment. He came with his wife who brought 60 beautifully decorated cupcakes which we all dovoured with gutso.
In conjuction with the Party a Back to School Program 2011 was held by the Rotary Club of Melawati in collaboration with FRIENDS OF KAPAR. Joining RC Melawati Members was Assistant Governor Bharat of Rotary Club Metro KL & Rotary Club Bukit Bintang.
RC Melawati headed by President Chandra generously contributed 2 pairs of uniforms, 2 pairs of socks, a pair of school shoes and a school bag to about 120 poor & underprivileged children of Kapar. A remainder of 30 more children will be given their new uniform sets upon the start of the school term in 2011.
RC Melawati headed by President Chandra generously contributed 2 pairs of uniforms, 2 pairs of socks, a pair of school shoes and a school bag to about 120 poor & underprivileged children of Kapar. A remainder of 30 more children will be given their new uniform sets upon the start of the school term in 2011.
I was pleasantly surprised when Assistant Governor Bharat joined us in the handing out of the uniform
During a quiet moment with me, President Shanti actually told me of her childhood background. Coming from a poor family, she could actually connect with The Kapar Kidz. In all the photos in this album, one could see her warmth penetrating through her smiles, as she mixed freely with The Kapar Kidz.
Needless to say, there were happy faces all around at the end of the Presentation. Thank You So Much for making the next school year exciting!
The Rotarians also took sometime to watch performances put up by the children. From left:
Raj, Bee-Bee, President Chandra, Shan, Doris, Shanti, Anita & Nair.
Thank You So Much for making today a success! Thank you for making a difference!
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