PENANG Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) has been providing a platform for youngsters to contribute to the community through its ‘Youth Volunteer Programme’.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said some 300 youths have registered themselves for the volunteering work since the launch of the programme in 2019.
“There are many areas in which our youngsters can contribute such as in environment, natural disaster, emergency response (first aid), education, sports, charity and arts and culture,’’ Soon said during his speech at the launch of the orientation session of the programme at Komtar on March 1.
“The programme is open to those who live in Penang and who are between 15 and 35 years old.
“Those who are above 35 years old are also welcomed to join us by becoming mentors to the youths,’’ he added.
Soon said the ‘Youth Volunteer Programme’ (Program Sukarelawan Belia) plays an important role in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.
“Volunteerism has the potential to take the multiracial nation towards greater heights and at the same time promotes unity and peace,’’ he said.
During the orientation session, an MoU was also signed between PYDC, represented by general manager Gwee Sai Ling, and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), represented by Prof Noor Hazlina Ahmad.
Apart from them, Soon, as well as USM deputy dean Abdul Hadi Zulkafli (Academic Career and International and Senior Lecturer at the School of Management) also took part in the MoU signing ceremony.
According to Soon, through the collaboration, PYDC would be able to tap into USM’s expertise to groom the volunteers.
“We really look forward to this partnership with USM as I believe as it would bring about benefits to our youth volunteers.
“We can send them for courses organised in USM to sharpen their leadership skills,’’ Soon said.
Meanwhile Noor Hazlina said the collaboration would help to expose the volunteers on the needs of the society.
For further information please call 04-263 6111 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pydc.my/
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter