KUCHING: Youths must have all the basic attributes in place before they can take up the many opportunities available to help develop Sarawak.
In stating this, Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the ministry is looking forward to working with the Rotary Club of Urban Kuching to help fast-track the development of youths.
“It is time that we have a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that can provide focus on the development of the youth in every aspect.
“This include psychological needs, intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual, entrepreneurship, and leadership development needs to make the youth of today into wholesome individuals that possess tolerance, be inclusive and treat every human being equally irrespective of their background.
“All these are the very basic attributes for a strong foundation to make a person a good citizen.
“And Rotary Club Urban Kuching can definitely add value to play their role in any of the attributes that I have mentioned,” he said when officiating at the launch of the club here recently.
On another note, he congratulated Rotary past district governor Andre Suharto for leading the Rotary Club Urban Kuching as the Charter president.
“I was made to understand that this is the first time among clubs in Singapore, Brunei, East Malaysia, Johor and Melaka states that a past district governor became a charter president of a new club. What a humbling act indeed,” he said.
Abdul Karim also hoped the Rotary Club Urban Kuching will be an inspiration so that many will follow its footsteps in doing good for the community.
Meanwhile, Andre said the Rotary Club Urban Kuching is the seventh Rotary Club in Kuching and it is very unique because its members are a true reflection of the community, with members from eight different races and four nationalities with their ages ranging from 22 to 63.
“With 34 members in this new club that come from diverse professions, as well as the support of many Rotarians and Rotary Clubs who provided seed money to this club, we are certain that this club will be relevant in fulfilling some of the needs of the community,” he said.
He added the club will be undertaking two projects – Mind Wellness, and Baby Car Seats.
“Our members did some research and found that there are many youths especially among the B40 families that may require help emotionally.
“They are facing peer and family pressures as they are growing up. Many need help. This is the area that the club will be embarking on and we are inviting psychologists and psychiatrists to work with us to address this area of concern,” he said.
As for the Baby Car Seats project, he said, this project is to help many young families who may not be able to afford to buy baby car seats for the newly born or their toddler child.
“For those who may no longer need them because their children have already grown beyond the age bracket for that particular car seat, instead of not using them, they can donate the unused baby car seats to Rotary Club Urban Kuching.
“The club can refurbish the baby car seats and give them to the B40 family who may need it,” said Andre.
