SUBANG JAYA, 6 Jan: In efforts to create a young generation that is active and positive, Pangsapuri Desa Mentari has taken the initiative to provide a variety of exciting programmes with elements of education and entertainment.
The programme known as the Mentari Project began as early as 2007 by targeting primary and secondary students, aged 7 to 17 years and who live in the apartments.
The Manager, Nur Yasmin Osman said that the Mentari Project is a volunteer project which offers free tuition classes to students of all levels of education to build self-confidence.
According to her, to ensure that students are not only absorbed in mere learning, the Mentari Project management has taken steps to organise the “play Your Game” activity dedicated to hone students in sporting events.
“We recognise that young people, especially the boys, are easily bored with academics. There are among those who have encountered social problems right after leaving this project and (they) seemingly have lost direction.
“Therefore, we have decided to organise this activity a month ago so that we can build friendships among them while guiding them so that they return to the right path and engage in things that are beneficial,” she said during a “Play Your Game” football training session here at the USJ 2 Public Field.
She said that the organisation of the programme managed to build good character among students apart from receiving overwhelming response since it was first organised.
She explained that through the “Play Your Game” activity, students involved will undergo periodic training, once a week, before joining friendly matches.
Meanwhile, Seri Setia Assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad hopes that this programme will continue to produce more dedicated students and instill the tenacity to be more successful.
He said that this programme has received recognition from the Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and several non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The response form the parents found that students who participate in this programme are more positive and also have improved their learning. I would like to thank the volunteers who participated in this programme and hope that the public, whether private or corporate, will contribute, in the form of energy or finance, for its success,” he said.
During the event, Nik Nazmi alsi handed a contribution worth RM6,000 to the organisation to purchase football equipment for the students use.
Meanwhile, Mohd Hanif Hasan, 16, who participated in the program expressed joy when he was selected as one of the participants to join the program.
“It’s nice to be able to play with friends. Hopefully, this (programme) will continue because activities such as this can hone the talents of the youth to play ball,” he said.