How are Malaysian youth spending their time during the MCO?

Young people have a lot to offer one another, especially during the MCO. Photo: Filepic

Young people in Malaysia are producing videos to help one another get through the pandemic and MCO.

This is in response to the Teen Takeover video challenge launched by Unicef through its @KitaConnect Telegram channel.

The @KitaConnect Teen Takeover Challenge calls all youth to share videos on how they have been spending their time at home during the movement control order (MCO).

Young people are challenged to make the MCO exciting for their friends who might be feeling lonely or bored. They can volunteer to conduct an event online, whether it is a cooking tutorial, an art class, an exercise session, or even an online karaoke jam session. Those who wish to do this can share their ideas through an online form and @KitaConnect will get in touch with them.

To date, there have been variety of videos on various topics, including how young people have been keeping active and entertaining their siblings at home during the MCO.

The MCO has been a real change for many young people but there are things you can still learn and talents you can grow even at home, according to Mohd Hanif, 17, who shows how he developed his amazing card skills during this time at home.

Also read: Malaysians find TikTok videos fun and great for bonding during the MCO

“I made this kind of video during this harsh time to show people that not everything that has been happening is bad because there’s always something positive in everything that we do. Some may complain that they are bored and have nothing to do during this MCO because they can’t go out. But if you use all the time wisely, you can become something that you never expected to be after this MCO, ” says the card whizz.

Nurul Batrisya, 17, believes that teens should be proud of themselves because by staying home, they’re making a difference.

“Many teenagers nowadays tend to look down on themselves because they feel like they’re never good enough. But I wanted to share some words of encouragement and show people that it is not that hard to support people and keep them going, even if it’s indirectly. You never know what type of battle people are fighting and there’s a need for more positive messages especially during this time, ” says the inspiring teen.

The Covid-19 global emergency is unlike anything that young people have faced before, with the number of cases soaring, schools closed, and the MCO implemented in Malaysia.

A survey by Unicef reveals that the main concerns of adolescents during the MCO are not knowing when things would return to normal (65%), feeling tired, bored and agitated (52%), and difficulty in finding something fun to do (49%).

Also, almost eight in 10 out of the 700 respondents wanted information on wellbeing during the MCO.

“To help teenagers get through and cope better during the MCO, when schools are closed and they aren’t able to attend events or meet up with their friends, Unicef launched this Telegram channel @KitaConnect, (powered by U-Report), ” Unicef Representative in Malaysia Marianne Clark-Hattingh says.

Staying connected virtually during the MCO not only benefits the teens themselves but others in the network as well as their families. The sense of togetherness can help lift spirits, as well as increase motivation and build empathy towards one another. Photo: Unicef

The channel enables young people to stay connected, receive support and inspire action among other youth in the country.

“We have just under 2,000 youths connected on the channel and our numbers are steadily rising. It’s open to all (youth) and we want as many to join as possible, ” says Clark-Hattingh.

“We want to engage young people, defined as age 30 and below, going through this difficult period. Each one of us is coping with this global pandemic under different circumstances. But what is important is to stay connected and this is a great way for us to do so, ” she says.

“Staying connected not only benefits the teen but others in the network as well as their families. The sense of togetherness can help lift spirits, as well as increase motivation and build empathy towards one another, ” she adds.

On @KitaConnect, youths can learn a cool new hobby or skill with the live ‘Teens Takeover’ session held every Thursday, receive expert advice on wellbeing and mental health, and join webinar sessions by private sector leaders.

To get connected, click on the link https://t.me/kitaconnectbot and send ‘Hi’.