Rythm Foundation Honours Volunteer Development Programme Participants

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- RYTHM Foundation, the award-winning social impact arm of international conglomerate QI Group, recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of 48 participants of its Volunteer Development Programme (VDP).

In a statement today, the foundation said the VDP, launched in August last year,  was its innovative drive to stimulate youth volunteerism and inspire public engagement within local communities

“The programme attracted dozens of enthusiastic individuals eager to train as volunteers and make a meaningful impact through active service. The training involved honing the participants’ skills and deepening their understanding of social responsibility,” it said.

Over the last six months, it said, the volunteers participated in numerous RYTHM-driven community impact programmes.

In total, they contributed over 1,162 hours of volunteering, participated in 197 volunteering sessions, completed four fundraising projects, and raised RM4289.50 for charity, it said.

RYTHM Foundation chairperson Datin Seri Umayal Eswaran, in her speech at the event, said the celebration was not only on the accomplishments of the volunteers, but the spirit of their selflessness and service that defines the essence of RYTHM - ‘Raise Yourself to Help Mankind’.

“Through VDP, we have stoked the fire and planted the seed for change within these youth changemakers. I look forward to witnessing their impactful and everlasting contributions to underprivileged communities in Malaysia in the years to come,” she said.

Meanwhile, a lecturer from INTI International College Subang, which is a VDP partner, Punitha Sivanantha, said the programme served as a great platform for students to learn about real issues on the ground and how they can make a difference. 

“Two of the main changes that I noticed in my students after joining VDP is that they became more confident in taking the lead and are better at managing their charitable projects.

“These remarkable improvements will ensure that they can provide long-term support for the communities,” she said.

One of the volunteers, How Yu Qian shared that joining VDP was the gateway to her foray into volunteering through which she was able to gain fresh perspectives on societal issues.

“I had no prior volunteering experience and decided to join VDP to find out how I can contribute to improving the world.

“VDP trained me to get out of my comfort zone and exposed me to a lot of the difficult realities faced by underprivileged communities that I volunteered with, such as the parents of children with special learning needs at RYTHM Foundation’s Taarana School,” she said.

United by the shared belief that collective action can drive positive change, the VDP’s participants exemplify the spirit of collaboration and dedication to creating a better world for all.

The programme resonates deeply with the foundation’s campaign for 2024, #RiseWithRYTHM, whereby by blending theory with practical field experience, the VDP creates an accelerated learning environment, aligning perfectly with the campaign’s mission to empower individuals through action.

RYTHM’s impact areas in Malaysia include aiding underserved People Housing Project (PPR) communities, indigenous groups, children, youth, and women.

In addition, the Foundation engages education institutions, NGOs, and civil society organisations to ensure volunteers have many opportunities to contribute their time and skills.

-- BERNAMA