RYTHM Foundation recently honoured the extraordinary accomplishments of 48 trailblazers who paved the way as the inaugural cohort of our Volunteer Development Programme (VDP).
The event was a testament to the participants’ unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to fostering positive change within their communities.
The VDP leads the charge in youth volunteerism and community engagement in Malaysia, highlighting remarkable success with this group.
This cohort devoted over 1,162 hours to impactful initiatives across 197 sessions. Their achievements surpassed mere participation, with four fundraising projects raising over RM4,200 for diverse causes.
The pioneering batch primarily consisted of university students from the QI Group’s Quest International University, INTI International College Subang, Universiti Malaya, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Volunteers Shaping Impactful Change
“These numbers not only quantify our programme’s impact but also reflect the passion and commitment of our volunteers in creating positive change in our communities,” said Santhi Periasamy, the Head of RYTHM Foundation.
“Empowering young volunteers with essential skills, values, and knowledge prepares them not just as contributors but as committed individuals making a meaningful impact on society,” she added.
The initial steps taken into volunteering have become a rewarding journey of purpose and influence for numerous participants. A standout example is How Yu Qian, a Universiti Malaya student.
“I never really volunteered before,” Yu Qian told the audience. “In school, I was too focused on my studies and rarely noted what was happening in the world.” When the chance to join the VDP presented itself, “I seized the opportunity.”
She added, “The awareness and knowledge I have gained through this programme is, first and foremost, the willingness to get out of my comfort zone. I’ve also realised volunteering does not need big, heroic moments. We can start with the people around us with a generous heart and simple gestures.”
Working professional Yuza Shamira Muhamad Yusof was intrigued by the various volunteer activities in the VDP, each offering unique learning experiences. “Initiatives like the Maharani School Programme allowed me to connect with beneficiaries and learn from their perspectives,” she said. “The VDP has broadened my understanding of the world.”
The Foundation engaged the social enterprise consultancy Servebetter to conduct the training sessions.
“Empowering volunteers isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about igniting a passion for service that transforms communities,” said Servebetter’s co-founder, S.P. Nathan. “We’re proud to be associated with the VDP – it’s not just a programme but a testament to RYTHM’s commitment to cultivating a generation of compassionate leaders.”
Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, the Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, paid tribute to the volunteers for their dedication and selflessness.
“The QI Group’s corporate icon, Mahatma Gandhi, said the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Today, we celebrate not just the accomplishments of our volunteers but the spirit of selflessness and service that defines the essence of RYTHM – ‘Raise Yourself to Help Mankind.’
“Through the VDP, we have planted the seeds for change among these youth changemakers. I look forward to witnessing their impactful and everlasting contributions to underprivileged communities in Malaysia.”
The VDP also resonates deeply with our campaign for 2024, ‘Rise With RYTHM’. By blending theory with practical field experience, the programme has created an accelerated learning environment, aligning perfectly with one of the campaign’s missions: to empower individuals through action.