THIRTY-SIX Form Four and Form Five students from four welfare homes in the Klang Valley are receiving academic, career and life skills support under a three-month youth development programme.
The Youth Forward programme by Tropicana Foundation in collaboration with VitaHealth and SifuTutor is running until Oct 31.
It provides Mathematics and Science tuition conducted at the welfare homes, along with career counselling, social skills development and mentorship.
The programme is aimed at helping students strengthen their academic performance ahead of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination while preparing them for life after secondary school, whether through higher education or employment.
In a statement, the foundation said the initiative was developed in response to challenges faced by youths from welfare homes, including disrupted learning, limited educational resources and uncertainty over pathways after SPM.
It said the programme was intended to provide structured academic support alongside personal development to help students build confidence, resilience and practical life skills.
“Youth Forward marks Tropicana Foundation’s inaugural flagship education programme and reflects our belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential, regardless of their background,” Tropicana Foundation programme director Serena Lim said in the statement.
“For this first phase, we have identified 36 students who require additional academic and personal development support.
“Beyond helping them achieve better SPM results, we hope to equip them with the confidence, resilience and life skills needed to navigate the next stage of their lives, whether through higher education or by entering the workforce.
“This is about creating opportunities that can transform their lives.”
The foundation hopes to expand the programme in its next phase.
“As we look towards Phase 2, we warmly welcome more corporate partners, educational institutions and like-minded organisations to join us in expanding Youth Forward and creating a lasting impact for more underprivileged youths across Malaysia,” said Lim.
Vita Life Sciences Malaysia and Singapore chief executive officer KS Beh said student well-being was an important part of the programme.
“Good health plays an important role in helping students learn, grow and pursue their dreams.
“We are proud to partner with Tropicana Foundation once again to support these students through a programme that nurtures both their wellbeing and academic journey.
“Together, we hope to inspire confidence, create opportunities and help build a healthier, brighter future,” he said.
Sifu Edu & Learning chief executive officer Syamil Yusoff said education has the power to change lives.
“Through Youth Forward, we are committed to helping students strengthen their academic foundation, improve their confidence and prepare for one of the most important milestones in their education journey.
“Every child deserves access to quality learning opportunities and the chance to fulfil their potential.”
The participating welfare homes are Yayasan Sunbeams Home, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim dan Miskin Klang, Rumah Hope and Yayasan Wardatul Jannah.
Tropicana Foundation aims to expand Youth Forward into a broader youth development platform to also cover academic enrichment, mentorship, career exposure, financial literacy and life skills development.
It is also exploring collaborations that can provide students with greater access to scholarships, higher education and employment opportunities.
