Upon completion of the YES programme, I enrolled into the British A-Levels programme at Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar, A private institution in Malaysia. Since then, I have been actively involved in many extra curricular activities. The first project I embarked on was the 350 campaign. The campaign was designed to create awareness regarding the climate crisis to not only the general public but also to the Malaysian ambassador to the United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen. In October, I volunteered as a secretariat at the AFS World Congress 2009. I also visited an Old Folks home in Seremban, Malaysia with my schools Interact/Rotaract Club.
In November, I attended The Hague International Model United Nations in Singapore. The event attracted students from all over the world to discuss and draft resolutions to combat current global issues. My friends and I at Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar also raised money for a hurricane devastated school in Tondo, Manila. We were able to raise about RM 4000 in a week. The money helped the school, which was previously conducting classes in containers, build permanent classrooms. Besides that, five of my friends from school and I took part in a debate competition organized by the International Debate Education Association (IDEA). We ended up getting first place in the competition thus receiving an invitation to attend the International Debate Tournament of Champions in Williamette University, Salem, Oregon.
I am also actively involved in the Global Debates, an international competition regarding the climate crisis organized by the People Speak organization. So far my schools' team has conducted public service announcements (http://www.youtube.com/ktjglobaldebates), created a blog (colourmegreen.wordpress.com), interviewed elected leaders and promoted environmental awareness.
In December, I attended the 44th Annual Rotaract Conference. A gathering of 800 students from all over Malaysia who share one common goal: Service Above Self. Currently I am in the midst of preparation for the South East Asia Forensics Tournament in the International School of Kuala Lumpur. I will be going to Bahowo Village (North Sulawesi Indonesia) to take part in a Community Service Project. For most of the duration of my stay there, I will be spending time with the kids at the local kindergarten.
These are the activities that I have had the opportunity to take part in since the completion of the YES program. I would be lying if I said that the YES program has not been a contributing factor to my involvement in various projects. The YES program has instilled within me a dedication towards the community and to youth empowerment. Oh and not to forget, sheer enthusiasm to excel.
Regards,
Azelli Aris
YES 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment