In a world where corporates pay lip service when it comes to community development, it is heartening to note that there are still organisations that walk the talk. RYTHM Foundation is apparently one of them.
KUALA LUMPUR – The RYTHM Foundation, the social impact initiative of the Qi Group, remains committed and active in undertaking programs to empower those in need, particularly in the field of education, as this aspect is considered crucial for the development of any community.
Head of RYTHM Foundation Santhi Periasamy said the foundation focuses on providing assistance to those in need of educational support, especially children who have difficulty accessing education such as those from the B40 group, living in remote areas and indigenous children.
“In terms of community development, we believe that education is key for without it, no community survives. Education is the only pathway and perhaps, the only answer to development.
“It is very sad to know how many communities out there in the world, in Malaysia (as well), who are deprived of equity and equality in education. There are so many things that can be done through education in many different modes and approaches which the Foundation is doing.
“For instance, we have a school in Petaling Jaya, a RYTHM Foundation initiative for the special needs, and we are doing a lot for the education of indigenous or Orang Asli children in Malaysia,” she told NMH when met at a tea with media session here recently.
Educational Programs By RYTHM Foundation
In terms of assisting with education for Orang Asli children, Santhy said more than 100 students from the ethnic group, covering areas in Sabah and Pahang, have benefited from educational programs they implemented.
“The educational programs for indigenous children in Sabah and Pahang began in 2021 and 2022, respectively. It is expected that by the end of September this year, we will be launching similar educational programs in Kedah,” she added.
Besides focusing on education, she said the RYTHM Foundation also emphasises the empowerment of youths, particularly teenage girls from underprivileged families by enhancing their skills in various fields to help improve their lives.
Academic Support
She said among the initiatives is the Maharani School Program (MSP) which aims to provide academic support and personal development for teenage girls to help build their self-confidence, leadership skills, and realise their potential.
The MSP, introduced in 2010, has impacted over 8,000 students. This holistic program is designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17, with a priority given to students from B40 families.
The programme is slowly evolving from what it was about 15 years ago. The Foundation goes to schools and run this programme to empower these girls through their leadership skills programme.
“Today, we also have a lab in Damansara Damai where we focus on IT skills, soft skills, leadership skills, among others, exposing them to career opportunities,” she said.
This is in line with their current plans where they focus on digital education, and they are continuing to evolve and renew their programmes in order to provide the best to these focus groups.
Another area that they are promoting currently is sports as they want to empower youths and develop the right spirit in them.
Jaguh RF
“We have started this programme called “Jaguh RF” for sports development as well as the Indigenous Development Programme (IDP) where a lot of focus and attention is being given there.
“We started this IDP programme in 2021 in Sabah and last year we had a very big convention to address the issues and challenges of the indigenous people of Malaysia. This has garnered a lot of attention and many people have come forward to say that they want to work with us.” – NMH
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Datin Hasnah is the co-founder and CEO of New Malaysia Herald based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With an extensive background in mass communication and journalism, she works on building up New Malaysia Herald and it’s partner sites. A tireless and passionate evangalist, she champions autism studies and support groups.
Datin Hasnah is also the Editor in Chief of New Malaysia Herald.
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