Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (centre) with some of the volunteers.2007/12/07
The New Straits Times (Malaysia)
KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-two young Malaysians will spread their spirit of volunteerism across borders through the Rakan Muda International Volunteers 2007 programme.
Chosen out of hundreds of applicants, they are leaving this afternoon for a week in Cambodia on a mission to help the less fortunate.
This is the first time Rakan Muda is sending volunteers outside the country.
They will travel to the village of Prek Protheat in the district of Kandal where they will help build a surau and sanitation facilities for the villagers.
Student and team leader M. Sri Ganesh, 23, said volunteering was an excellent way to stay involved in society and not become “too individualistic". He said he was looking forward to the experience in Cambodia.
Norazreen Karim, a 24-year-old auditor, is one of the 13 young women involved in the programme.
She said she volunteered because she wanted to break the stereotype that “women are weak and men are strong".
“We are physically and mentally prepared, so we should have no problems overcoming any difficulties we encounter,” she said.
At a news conference to introduce the 52 young people, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Malaysians should be proud of them.
“Their effort to contribute to society should be praised,” she said, adding that volunteer programmes help young people develop their leadership abilities.
Chosen out of hundreds of applicants, they are leaving this afternoon for a week in Cambodia on a mission to help the less fortunate.
This is the first time Rakan Muda is sending volunteers outside the country.
They will travel to the village of Prek Protheat in the district of Kandal where they will help build a surau and sanitation facilities for the villagers.
Student and team leader M. Sri Ganesh, 23, said volunteering was an excellent way to stay involved in society and not become “too individualistic". He said he was looking forward to the experience in Cambodia.
Norazreen Karim, a 24-year-old auditor, is one of the 13 young women involved in the programme.
She said she volunteered because she wanted to break the stereotype that “women are weak and men are strong".
“We are physically and mentally prepared, so we should have no problems overcoming any difficulties we encounter,” she said.
At a news conference to introduce the 52 young people, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Malaysians should be proud of them.
“Their effort to contribute to society should be praised,” she said, adding that volunteer programmes help young people develop their leadership abilities.
