Experienced students mentored those without a technical background, turning the project into a platform for teamwork and skill-sharing.
BEAUTY came in a different form for a group of teenagers in Keningau recently when they swapped make-up brushes for welding tools – all in the spirit of helping local schools.
For many, handling welding torches, paint rollers and construction tools was a first.
But after two days of hands-on work, they were all smiles, proud to have created something meaningful for their community.
The group of cosmetology students from Keningau Vocational College (KVC) set aside their usual beauty kits to join Steel Steady, a youth empowerment initiative led by the college’s Welding Technology programme.
The project, carried out at the end of last month, saw volunteers repairing and restoring facilities at several secondary schools in the district.
Funded by a RM15,000 grant from Impact Malaysia under the Youth and Sports Ministry’s Rakan Muda Academy initiative, Steel Steady is among 10 projects selected nationwide to promote volunteerism and community development among Malaysian youth.
Nearly 100 volunteers – including students from KVC, Geomatika College and several secondary schools – came together to improve classrooms and learning spaces.
They installed stair handrails, repaired fans and sockets, replaced wooden floor planks, built drain grates and concrete slabs, fitted mosquito nets and gave classrooms a fresh coat of paint.
While most participants came from technical fields such as welding, electrical and construction, 10 cosmetology students joined in – proving that learning and service know no boundaries.
Among them was 17-year-old Elvina Hilary, who described the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
“I’m grateful to be one of the 10 cosmetology students given the chance to take part in this project,” she said.
“It reminded me that real learning happens when we’re brave enough to try something new.
“I hope our small contribution brings good to everyone.”
Fredinah Daurin, an automotive student, said the project gave her newfound confidence.
“At first, I didn’t know anything about welding and was nervous even to try. But as I learned step by step, it felt amazing to create something real with my own hands. Completing the project made me proud and confident that I can do anything if I put my heart into it,” said the 19-year-old.
The project was led by Welding Technology teacher Firdaus Sariman, under the supervision of programme head Azme Budiman and workshop coordinator Nabil Fikri.
Experienced students mentored those with no technical background, turning the effort into a platform for teamwork and skills-sharing.
KVC director Lumang Lang praised the initiative for nurturing compassion and practical learning among students.
“This project not only benefits the schools but also strengthens our students’ spirit of volunteerism and collaboration,” he said.
“They’ve shown that education goes beyond classrooms. It’s about building character and contributing to society.”
Since its founding last year by KVC’s Welding Technology graduates, Steel Steady has grown into a flagship community project for the college.
The team plans to continue offering repair and maintenance assistance to other schools and community buildings across Sabah.
“Any building, anywhere that requires repair and maintenance can be our next location,” said KVC teacher and project coordinator Sirhajwan Idek.
For the volunteers, the project went beyond fixing structures – it built confidence, fostered teamwork, and sparked a deeper sense of purpose.
