Thursday, 27th January 2011
Hi there...again! Told you I had plenty of "juice" to report on! I am quite a l...a...z...y writer (best not let Eva - my daughter know of this or else I'll never hear the end of it!!). However, once started I am difficult to curtail.
2011 turns out to be very kind to FRIENDS OF KAPAR. When I was abroad on my annual holidays - I was approached by a kind and benevolent gentleman who offered help. He wants to remain anonymous. Never have I met a more humble and gentle person in my life, before.
His generous contribution will be used to feed 2 Homes supported by FRIENDS OF KAPAR for the year 2011. These Homes are - Shanti Home in Kapar and Rumah Siraman Kasih in Rawang.
Shanti Home gives shelter to 15 abandoned and aged folks, whereas Rumah Siraman Kasih gives shelter to 45 poor, underprivileged and orphaned children from the ages of 7 - 12 years old.
As for Kapar - I am pleased to announce that Kapar is now quite comfortable. With regards to the Feeding Program - we were approached by Sri Narayani Foundation. They have undertaken to feed 30 Families in Kapar for the year 2011. The Kapar Feeding Program is now called Friends Of Kapar & Sri Narayani Foundation Joint Feeding Program 2011.
The CNC (Community Nurture Centre) Kapar is now run by an Administrator. The CNC Kapar is fully sponsored by FRIENDS OF KAPAR. Programs run normally with FRIENDS OF KAPAR overseeing its progress.
Because of these benevolence, FRIENDS OF KAPAR are able to extend its web of assistance to other impoverished areas. For the year 2011, we are extending and concentrating more seriously into Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Batang Berjuntai. Infact, we have started feeding Kuala Selangor & Tanjung Karang, starting late last year but the machinery was not that efficient. It was a learning curve for FRIENDS OF KAPAR. Now we are able to concentrate in making a difference in those areas. Another CNC is in the pipeline. The CNC Kuala Selangor will serve the children and the communities of Kuala Selangor and its surrounding areas.
With regards to Mentakab, Temerloh & Jerantut in Pahang - assistance will be rendered sometime in mid 2011 as they are NOT ready as yet!
Looks like it is going to be another full & busy year for FRIENDS OF KAPAR. Another full & busy year of making a difference in the community anywhere & everywhere......
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Making a Difference in KB.....
Thursday, 27th January 2011
Hello there! Hmm...it has been 3 weeks since I visited the Blog. The truth is I am suffering from "writer's block" (or more like a writer's plague - laziness...okay, okay no more excuses!) Anyhow, I have plenty of "juice" to report on.
I wonder if you remember my entry sometime late last year (when I was feeling all mushy & melancholic about saying good bye to 2010?) Well...this one is about The KB Kidz. If you have been following the Blog - you would know that I went to KB and found a delightful Xmas tree laden with wishing cards.
FRIENDS OF KAPAR with the assistance of kind volunteers & contributorschipped in and assisted 64 out of the 100 children in KB. They are from various schools - SK Seri Ketereh, SK Pendek, SK Morak and SRJK (Cina) Peir Chih. On top of the requested items, FRIENDS OF KAPAR contributed stationery, socks, etc.
Just check out their joy upon receiving these items...we are glad to have been able to make a difference to these children. FRIENDS OF KAPAR is determined to continue The Back to School Program to as many children, everywhere and anywhere there is a need!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ponderings of a wondering mind.....
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.
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.
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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