KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 24 girls from Asrama Bahagia Kuala Lumpur graduated from the “I am extraordinary” programme (Aku Luar Biasa) organised by the Youth and Sports Ministry and Malaysia Youth Council (MBM) to reduce social ills among youngsters.
The programme is a psychology support service that helps participants to rise again while gaining confidence and contributing to the family, community as well as the nation.
It is a continuation of the Youth Inspiration programme with updated and improved modules on addiction and mental health management.
Asrama Bahagia Kuala Lumpur under the Welfare Department was chosen for the pilot project for the programme with the aim of equipping participants with self-care and emotional management.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim presented the certificates to the girls who underwent the six-month programme held from September 2022 to February 2023.
“I am confident in the potential that has been successfully tapped through this programme.
“Each participant will be able to develop their capabilities and place themselves in the job market which can provide financial benefits and experience.
“Through the programme, the participants have gained a second chance in life that can change the course of their lives with a brighter future,” he said during his speech Sunday (Feb 26) at the International Youth Centre here.
Speaking about the programme 17-year-old Nur (not her real name) from Labuan said that now she is able to handle her emotions, communicate better and cast aside her ego.
“After staying at the safe house, I realised I had missed out on my childhood. I realised that I am still a child because I got to do normal things like play basketball, congkak, and interact with kids my age.
“I was on psychiatric medication because I was also prone to self-harm but after six months, I stopped taking them because my life has changed as I am in control of my own life,” she said.
Deja (not her real name), 16, from Kuantan is another participant, who has benefited from the programme and now feels more in control of her emotions and behaviour.
Although she has spent time in other safe houses, her experience in Asrama Bahagia combined with the programme has really made a stark difference in her life.
“Slowly but surely, I learned to make changes to myself because I chose to do it. This is what the programme has taught me,” she said.
A family interactive session was also carried out involving parents in preparing the family as a main support system for participants.
The programme is also supported by the Health Ministry, Welfare Department, Green Crescent Malaysia, Rahmah Support Team and Projek Belia Mahir.
