{besps}/images/rys/2005/05-malaysia{/besps}
Perak, Malaysia—The theme: Service to Humanity – the Path to Peace and Unity was expressed through a program of education and action that was guided by Ms. Sharifah Shakirah, an English language instructor at the ITM University from north Malaysia and Mr. Inderjeet Singh, co-organizer of the RYS Malaysia, an instructor in Communications & Marketing in various colleges in Kuala Lumpur.
The educational program covered topic areas such as: Cross-cultural understanding, Inter-racial understanding, Conflict Resolution and included a forum, “ Appreciating different Religions and their Beliefs.” The education program included a daily cultural exchange of the respective international participants and the various races within Malaysia.
The RYS history in Malaysia began in 1992 but this was the first project that succeeded in bringing all the races within Malaysia together. We welcomed back alumni (members of the ITM University, north Malaysia) and welcomed new participants from the Hindu Sangam, Malaysian Sikh Youth Organization, Christian and Buddhist youth. The participants felt that the presence of all the races gave a special richness to the project.
The international participants came well prepared and proved to be a cultural showcase of the highest order. Countries featured, in addition to Malaysia were Korea, Sri Lanka, England and Singapore.
The RYS volunteers, from May 1st to the 5th, worked on two distinct locations as participants painted two Bethany Home Residential Quarters and also repaired a residence for a family of 4 handicapped children including the construction of an outlet drain in the vicinity of Bethany Home. Bethany Home is operated by the Lutheran Church of Malaysia and is the largest facility treating and rehabilitating mentally challenged children in the country. Both projects ran concurrently and provided our participants meaningful experiences of living in service to humanity.