It has been 4 months since I updated my blog...no reason, simply too lazy to update :)
A lot of things happened during the past 4 months...unfortunately, I can't recall all hehe
1 major change which took place was on my job designation. I was recently appointed as the Centre Manager (Internal) for BBE Gen-Y Youth Hub. It's definitely a huge responsibility..but the funny thing is, when I was informed about it, I'm more concerned over how my other colleagues may feel.
There are only 4 of us who run the daily operation of the Centre. Besides me, another female colleague has been there since last year, compared to me who only started early this year. A male colleague is a veteran in social service, while the other is a NUS graduate in Social Work.
But alhamdulillah, they've been giving me their full support and I really hope the team can work well together. For the benefit of the youths. Banyak benda nak tighten up at the Centre and it's a very challenging task. I hope the passion and love that we feel for the youths will keep us going strong.
Eid is coming. This year it's gonna be extra special as it'll be first time celebrating it with my fiance :) Can't wait to go visiting with our respective families. This year it's silver/black for us...a colour he's been wanting both of us to wear as a couple.. :p
Wedding preparation is on it's way. My worry: money. hehe. Banyak belanja beb! We are trying to save here and there (finally realize that we need to forego the idea of renting an RX8 as our wedding car! haha). Might as well splurge the money on our honeymoon instead haha.
But seriously, we have to plan the budget thoroughly to avoid future headache. Wedding package, reception, invitation cards, berkat, cameraman, videoman, stuntman..(hehe!) ni semua pakai duit. Belum masuk hantaran, kendarat, kompang, deejay...kalau takde $15k jgn haraplah nak kawen. ;)
I do envy lavish weddings and tempted to have one. I often have to stop myself and fikirkan keperluan and kemampuan. Yeah, I know it's once in a lifetime event.... *sigh*
However, my greatest hope is for the marriage to last. Nothing beats that.
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Trip to Pengasih
Went to PENGASIH for a training on 19th May - 22nd May (again!) but this time around, the Gen-Y Youths tagged along ;)
PENGASIH is located in KL and it is an organization which was set up to run programmes to help ex-drug addicts holistically, as it targets 4 key areas with regards to personal development: intellectual, behavioural, emotional and spiritual.
The organization was formed in 1992 and since then it has treated a number of addicts using the Therapeutic Community (TC) approach in a residential setting called RUMAH PENGASIH. This approach firmly believes that group can foster growth and holds strongly to the principle of 'man helping man to help himself'. Very deep, indeed.
RUMAH PENGASIH was fully run by ex-drug addicts; from the security personnel up to its President. It was very inspirational to see how these people manage to overcome their addiction and tuned over a new leaf. Change was easier said than done. I remembered one of the staff in RUMAH PENGASIH, who was affectionally known as Jack the Ripper (hehe!), shared that "Drug Addicts are not BAD people wanting to be GOOD people; but SICK people wanting to be CURED" and that recovery from drug addiction may take a lifetime. Only when you are dead, can you finally declare yourself as 'clean and sober'.
Being in RUMAH PENGASIH for 4days was certainly an eye-opener. The residents were of different age group, the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 60 years old. But TC preaches respect and equality; therefore the age differences was not much of a problem. Most of the residents were there voluntarily or sent by their family members to receive treatment and rehabilitation.
The treatment may seem almost regimental at first. The residents have to go through repeated daily rituals and were ranked in hierarchical order. It's meant to instill discipline and sense of responsibility, which they are very much lack in during their addiction days.
Great emphasis was also given to being honest and aware of the surroundings. For example, in one of the daily rituals called Morning Meeting, residents are encouraged to report on things that were left unattended; even the littlest things like cigarette butts and rubber bands. Whoever left it lying around are required to be honest and admit his fault. The person who reported will then face the 'culprit' and gives feedback on his careless attitude.
Non-addicts may find this very unnecessary. However, in the quest of behaviour modification, drug addicts need to be treated this way as they do not respond to 'soft' approaches. Strict discipline, blended with sincere love, care and concern is the best way.
It was very heartwarming to see that although the resident may shout at each other during the Encounter Sessions, they often 'patch up' at the end of the session. When they confronted each other on their mistakes, they seem truly sincere and really want to help fellow residents change for the better.
No amount of words typed here could capture the true feelings that I have for the residents of RUMAH PENGASIH. I realize that their journey towards recovery was not easy. They were many 'relapse' cases, even after more than 5 years of being drug-free and even after being appointed as STAFF of RUMAH PENGASIH. Their will-power and strength are truly admirable.
*TRIBUTE TO RESIDENTS OF RUMAH PENGASIH*
~to cross the line might be the way across~
PENGASIH is located in KL and it is an organization which was set up to run programmes to help ex-drug addicts holistically, as it targets 4 key areas with regards to personal development: intellectual, behavioural, emotional and spiritual.
The organization was formed in 1992 and since then it has treated a number of addicts using the Therapeutic Community (TC) approach in a residential setting called RUMAH PENGASIH. This approach firmly believes that group can foster growth and holds strongly to the principle of 'man helping man to help himself'. Very deep, indeed.
RUMAH PENGASIH was fully run by ex-drug addicts; from the security personnel up to its President. It was very inspirational to see how these people manage to overcome their addiction and tuned over a new leaf. Change was easier said than done. I remembered one of the staff in RUMAH PENGASIH, who was affectionally known as Jack the Ripper (hehe!), shared that "Drug Addicts are not BAD people wanting to be GOOD people; but SICK people wanting to be CURED" and that recovery from drug addiction may take a lifetime. Only when you are dead, can you finally declare yourself as 'clean and sober'.
Being in RUMAH PENGASIH for 4days was certainly an eye-opener. The residents were of different age group, the youngest being 15 and the oldest being 60 years old. But TC preaches respect and equality; therefore the age differences was not much of a problem. Most of the residents were there voluntarily or sent by their family members to receive treatment and rehabilitation.
The treatment may seem almost regimental at first. The residents have to go through repeated daily rituals and were ranked in hierarchical order. It's meant to instill discipline and sense of responsibility, which they are very much lack in during their addiction days.
Great emphasis was also given to being honest and aware of the surroundings. For example, in one of the daily rituals called Morning Meeting, residents are encouraged to report on things that were left unattended; even the littlest things like cigarette butts and rubber bands. Whoever left it lying around are required to be honest and admit his fault. The person who reported will then face the 'culprit' and gives feedback on his careless attitude.
Non-addicts may find this very unnecessary. However, in the quest of behaviour modification, drug addicts need to be treated this way as they do not respond to 'soft' approaches. Strict discipline, blended with sincere love, care and concern is the best way.
It was very heartwarming to see that although the resident may shout at each other during the Encounter Sessions, they often 'patch up' at the end of the session. When they confronted each other on their mistakes, they seem truly sincere and really want to help fellow residents change for the better.
No amount of words typed here could capture the true feelings that I have for the residents of RUMAH PENGASIH. I realize that their journey towards recovery was not easy. They were many 'relapse' cases, even after more than 5 years of being drug-free and even after being appointed as STAFF of RUMAH PENGASIH. Their will-power and strength are truly admirable.
*TRIBUTE TO RESIDENTS OF RUMAH PENGASIH*
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Random
My mind is very disoriented today...that's why I'm not asleep yet.
I'm going to type random entries as I go along typing (huh?? see how disoriented I am?)
1. I sort of 'lost' a best friend years ago. Now, Allah temukan lagi dgn another friend who has almost the same characteristics (even interest!) as the 'former' best friend. Though I am not really close with this 'new' friend, we meet each other every day. hmmm.....why eh?
2. Tomorrow, a friend whom I've known since I worked in the mosque will start working at Ain Society! ;) What a small world. Actually I'm the one who recommended him to my boss...hopefully he'll stay for long.
3. There will be a MOther's Day hi-Tea event at Furama Riverfront Hotel this Saturday. Not excited: All the staff and volunteers wear sepasang mcm boria. Tu tak kisah lagi, yang bingit nye style/colour baju n tudung mcm makcik2 haha:P even my DAD commented so. Excited: My mother / future MIL and dearest fiance will tag along.... *bliss*
4. Bought a new pair of shoes from Pedal Work! Glad there's finally a shop which carry my European feet size. Ceh! nak step Europeaaaan ajek!
5. I want to lose weight! Gosh, it suddenly dawn on me that I'm too fat to get married hahah just what's that supposed to mean??!
6. I just could not stand immature people who act 'cute' in the most inappropriate times e.g. during meetings, serious discussion....
7. I'll be going to KL next week. To PENGASIH again, but this time, I'm bringing the youths along! yay! ;) I even plan to meet my sis in KL...and we might even return to Spore together ;)
8. I want to hand over EPS totally to Syafia....I could not handle both youths and families at the same time. Both macam2 karenah...but I enjoy layan the youths more.
9. I am VERY ANGRY at someone. I think he's the most ungrateful person I ever met. The sad thing is, he's a community leader!
10. I want to sleep now.
~to cross the line might be the way across~
I'm going to type random entries as I go along typing (huh?? see how disoriented I am?)
1. I sort of 'lost' a best friend years ago. Now, Allah temukan lagi dgn another friend who has almost the same characteristics (even interest!) as the 'former' best friend. Though I am not really close with this 'new' friend, we meet each other every day. hmmm.....why eh?
2. Tomorrow, a friend whom I've known since I worked in the mosque will start working at Ain Society! ;) What a small world. Actually I'm the one who recommended him to my boss...hopefully he'll stay for long.
3. There will be a MOther's Day hi-Tea event at Furama Riverfront Hotel this Saturday. Not excited: All the staff and volunteers wear sepasang mcm boria. Tu tak kisah lagi, yang bingit nye style/colour baju n tudung mcm makcik2 haha:P even my DAD commented so. Excited: My mother / future MIL and dearest fiance will tag along.... *bliss*
4. Bought a new pair of shoes from Pedal Work! Glad there's finally a shop which carry my European feet size. Ceh! nak step Europeaaaan ajek!
5. I want to lose weight! Gosh, it suddenly dawn on me that I'm too fat to get married hahah just what's that supposed to mean??!
6. I just could not stand immature people who act 'cute' in the most inappropriate times e.g. during meetings, serious discussion....
7. I'll be going to KL next week. To PENGASIH again, but this time, I'm bringing the youths along! yay! ;) I even plan to meet my sis in KL...and we might even return to Spore together ;)
8. I want to hand over EPS totally to Syafia....I could not handle both youths and families at the same time. Both macam2 karenah...but I enjoy layan the youths more.
9. I am VERY ANGRY at someone. I think he's the most ungrateful person I ever met. The sad thing is, he's a community leader!
10. I want to sleep now.
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Medan...here I come...~
I'm going to Medan, Indonesia... yippee~
Will be leaving in less than 5 hrs' time ;) Together with Pak Usop, Kak Yati, Zai & Syafia...
When we informed the students that the Youth Centre will be closed for the next 2 days, they shouted 'friendly' protest...hehe:)
"Staff asik keluar jalan2 je! Abeh tinggalkan kitorg" "Ehhh....dua hari tutup...abeh Saturday n Sunday pon tak sekolah...Nak buat ape sey 4 hari kat rumah??!!" => among the things they said ;)
kelakar kan? Biasanya budak2 suka klw tak sekolah...ni terbalik.... They said that they have nothing to do at home and would rather come to the Centre.
I kinda pity these kids. It's very sad when u feel bored in yr own home. Maybe some of them attend school for the sake of friends; not sp much of the positive inputs that they could gain from the programmes. However, another way to look at it is that, it's better for these kids to be in the Centre than loitering outside doing nothing, and worst still fell into bad companies.
GoNna MisS u GuYs....
And Yeah... YoU toO, HOney..... ;D
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Will be leaving in less than 5 hrs' time ;) Together with Pak Usop, Kak Yati, Zai & Syafia...
When we informed the students that the Youth Centre will be closed for the next 2 days, they shouted 'friendly' protest...hehe:)
"Staff asik keluar jalan2 je! Abeh tinggalkan kitorg" "Ehhh....dua hari tutup...abeh Saturday n Sunday pon tak sekolah...Nak buat ape sey 4 hari kat rumah??!!" => among the things they said ;)
kelakar kan? Biasanya budak2 suka klw tak sekolah...ni terbalik.... They said that they have nothing to do at home and would rather come to the Centre.
I kinda pity these kids. It's very sad when u feel bored in yr own home. Maybe some of them attend school for the sake of friends; not sp much of the positive inputs that they could gain from the programmes. However, another way to look at it is that, it's better for these kids to be in the Centre than loitering outside doing nothing, and worst still fell into bad companies.
GoNna MisS u GuYs....
And Yeah... YoU toO, HOney..... ;D
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Straight Journey to The Straits Kitchen?
Went to Straits Kitchen @ Hyatt Hotel for lunch. It was meant as an appreciation for all staff :)
Me, Zai & Rizal were told to close our youth centre by 11:30 and proceed to Dhoby Ghaut MRT and wait for the next instruction. As usual, we were late; we left the center only at 12pm.
After dismissing all the students,we took a taxi to Dhoby Ghaut. Barely five mins later, Zai received a call from one of the youths, saying that a verbal fight just broke between 2 boys and they were shouting like mad. Damn. We were so terkilan as it had been only 5 mins since we left them, and now they were creating trouble.
Rizal also received a call from the public, complaining about the boys fighting under the void deck. The person intended to call the police, and Rizal did not stop him. Meanwhile, I tried to call some other boys and they seem to be wanting to keep things secret and assured me that everything was under control; when actually 3 police cars had already arrived in the void deck to gather the boys' statement.
We were all worried for the students. Me and Zai felt like patah balik to the Centre but was stopped by Rizal. He said that things will be ok and that sometimes we should stop mothering these boys and let them face the consequences of their actions. Haiz...dah namanya perempuan kaan...kanciong lah sikit... :p
Upon reaching Hyatt Hotel, we told Pak Usop what's happening back in the Centre. He told us to forget about work matters for a while and enjoy our lunch...mknn memang power beb~ apa taknya..$70/per head :p
A'lillah, none of the boys (or girls, for this matter! haiz...yg perempuan pon kena...pdhal they were just at the wrong place in the wrong time) were taken by the police. The police simply screened they ICs, and since none of them had any pending cases, all were released...phew!
This is the challenge when you have over 50 orang 'anak-anak' yang nak dijaga...
Apapun, I still LOVE my girls and boys....really I do... *heart fills with warmth and serenity*
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Me, Zai & Rizal were told to close our youth centre by 11:30 and proceed to Dhoby Ghaut MRT and wait for the next instruction. As usual, we were late; we left the center only at 12pm.
After dismissing all the students,we took a taxi to Dhoby Ghaut. Barely five mins later, Zai received a call from one of the youths, saying that a verbal fight just broke between 2 boys and they were shouting like mad. Damn. We were so terkilan as it had been only 5 mins since we left them, and now they were creating trouble.
Rizal also received a call from the public, complaining about the boys fighting under the void deck. The person intended to call the police, and Rizal did not stop him. Meanwhile, I tried to call some other boys and they seem to be wanting to keep things secret and assured me that everything was under control; when actually 3 police cars had already arrived in the void deck to gather the boys' statement.
We were all worried for the students. Me and Zai felt like patah balik to the Centre but was stopped by Rizal. He said that things will be ok and that sometimes we should stop mothering these boys and let them face the consequences of their actions. Haiz...dah namanya perempuan kaan...kanciong lah sikit... :p
Upon reaching Hyatt Hotel, we told Pak Usop what's happening back in the Centre. He told us to forget about work matters for a while and enjoy our lunch...mknn memang power beb~ apa taknya..$70/per head :p
A'lillah, none of the boys (or girls, for this matter! haiz...yg perempuan pon kena...pdhal they were just at the wrong place in the wrong time) were taken by the police. The police simply screened they ICs, and since none of them had any pending cases, all were released...phew!
This is the challenge when you have over 50 orang 'anak-anak' yang nak dijaga...
Apapun, I still LOVE my girls and boys....really I do... *heart fills with warmth and serenity*
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Touched
"....Dan susah nak ada org yg care pasal Dan. Semua buat hal sendiri hidup Dan da mcm tak bererti...Bile di rumah Dan mcm org gaji tapi tkda gaji. Dan sakit tkda org peduli. thkz kakak 4 care about me...Dan syg kakak. Alangka gembire nye jike ada org care pasal Dan...Im vry happy..
Kakak, Dan hanye nk seseorg untk tahu perasaan Dan. Kdang2 Dan rasa nk lari rumah...Tetapi Dan fikir kalau Dan lari rumah Dan nk duduk ane kn..Dari itu Dan membuat keputusan untk dduk umah dan bersaba aje...Sory if Dan banyak benda untk kasi kakak tau. Dan tk tau dgn sape nak luah kn perasaan.. Sory"
This is the exact text that one of my youths smsed me just now (name has been changed to protect his identity.)
I was so touched by the sms. I felt very very sad. It never failed to touch my heart when a teenager came up to me and share his/her inner feelings. Although the text message above was not shared in a meet-up, face-to-face session, I could not help but feel that it takes a lot of courage for a 16-yr-old boy to express his feelings as such, even through text messaging.
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Kakak, Dan hanye nk seseorg untk tahu perasaan Dan. Kdang2 Dan rasa nk lari rumah...Tetapi Dan fikir kalau Dan lari rumah Dan nk duduk ane kn..Dari itu Dan membuat keputusan untk dduk umah dan bersaba aje...Sory if Dan banyak benda untk kasi kakak tau. Dan tk tau dgn sape nak luah kn perasaan.. Sory"
This is the exact text that one of my youths smsed me just now (name has been changed to protect his identity.)
I was so touched by the sms. I felt very very sad. It never failed to touch my heart when a teenager came up to me and share his/her inner feelings. Although the text message above was not shared in a meet-up, face-to-face session, I could not help but feel that it takes a lot of courage for a 16-yr-old boy to express his feelings as such, even through text messaging.
~to cross the line might be the way across~
Friday, April 4, 2008
I am....
I am...having a high fever
I am...bored to death
I am...thinking about the youths
I am...craving for chocolate
I am...wondering why the poor's getting pooreer and the rich shop till they drop dead
I am...missing him badly
Help me...
~to cross the line might be the way across~
I am...bored to death
I am...thinking about the youths
I am...craving for chocolate
I am...wondering why the poor's getting pooreer and the rich shop till they drop dead
I am...missing him badly
Help me...
~to cross the line might be the way across~
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