Posts Tagged ‘NGO’

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

give funds directly to PTA says association

August 3rd, 2010
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


The news below appeared over a week ago. Interesting to read the reasons given by the president. Yes, it does seem logical. On the other hands, giving the funds to established NGOs who have been involved in Tamil schools for two decades or so, also makes sense. So, which is better option.

Giving money to NGOs can help in terms of organising events on larger or coordinated scale. The NGOs have experience of conducting various events, so it will be easier. However, the downside is that the NGOs may only be focusing on areas or schools which they are familiar or comfortable with. Some schools may not have a strong PTA, thus having NGOs organising events and program will help reduce burden on PTA and teachers.

As for giving money to PTAs, I’m sure readers are aware that a number of PTAs have connections with political parties. Some do see the position in PTA as some sort channel for income for their business as caterers, contractors, printers etc. The chances of funds being misused exists, especially when the PTA people are in cohort with the school management. But on a positive side, all schools will have opportunity to do some events for themselves. Schools may most likely know what they need and can fine-tune programs to meet those requirements.

I would agree with the proposal to split the funding into two: NGOs and PTAs. This will help to cover all bases and diversify the channels. For example, state level Science Fair can be given fund under NGO category (organised by Tamil Foundation). School-level canteen day or UPSR motivation talk can receive funding via PTA.

But I’m surprised if words such as “irrelevant” is used by the PTA association in reference to EWRF or Tamil Foundation. These NGOs are well known in Tamil School environment, so “irrelevant” is an amusing choice of word.

THE Tamil Schools Parents’ Association in Selangor is demanding that the RM4mil state government allocations for Tamil schools be channelled directly to schools’ parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and not via irrelevant third parties, reports Malaysia Nanban.

Its president S. Murali said the demands would be highlighted in an eight-point memorandum to be presented to the mentri besar within the next few days.

He said the PTAs would be in a better position to manage the funds as they had first-hand information on the situation in their respective schools.

Murali said that although the Selangor Government had allocated RM4mil in annual funds last year for Tamil schools, only RM2.4mil was dispersed while the rest was channelled to three non-governmental organisations to carry out Tamil education development programmes in the state.

He suggested the state government allocate separate funding for the NGOs.

9 comments »

Posted in Tamil-Schools

Tags:

Ration Cards for the poor?

July 2nd, 2010
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


Those who are familiar with India will know about ration cards (or ration stamps). Its a method whereby folks can buy essential items at controlled prices.

The MHS (Penang Branch) is proposing a similar system in Malaysia.

Maybe in Malaysia, can implement using our MyKads. Set up “ration offices” or counters” at strategic location or make use of the existing shops by equipping them with MyKad readers.

The Penang branch of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam (MHS) wants the government to issue ration cards for essential commodities for the hardcore poor to help them cope with the rapidly rising cost of living.

Association deputy chairperson cum its social and welfare sub-committee chairperson P Murugiah told Malaysiakini that prices of essential foods items like rice, cooking oil , sugar and milk have jumped a mind-boggling 200 percent compared to 10 years ago.

He cited cases of mothers who, unable to breastfeed their new-born babies, opt for water mixed with sugar or condensed milk; young children dropping out of schools to work to help the family and those unable to settle their electricity and water bills, turning to oil lamps.

The hardcore poor survive on only one meal a day and that too non-nutritious food of either roti canai or nasi lemak.

He claimed that a some single mothers have been driven by financial desperation to vice to support their children .

He quoted the prices of some food like cheap fish which used to be between 30 sen to 50 sen per 600 gms about 10 years ago, now go for RM2 per 600 gms, ikan billis price has soared 300 percent, a loaf of bread once RM1, is now RM3 , eggs that cost 10 sen each now go for between 25-30 sen.

Murugiah (left) said the government should consider emulating measures taken by India to alleviate the plight of the poorest through ration cards.

The BPL or below the poverty line ration card is issued to the head of an Indian family whose total earnings is below Rs10,000 per annum (RM700) while those categorised above the poverty line (APL) with a total family income of more than Rs10,000 are each issued a white ration card annually.

A ration card is a very useful document as it helps save money by aiding in the procurement of essential commodities at subsidised rates.

According to Murugiah, the hardcore poor in India are entitled to free essential items every month.

On the government’s plan to phase out all subsidies because of depleting public funds, Murugiah criticised Putrayaja for wasting public funds on mega projects that brought little benefit to the public, especially those in the lower income group.

“The government’s top priority should be to ensure a social safety net for its citizens rather than building public monuments which are a waste of tax-payers’ money.

On its part the Penang MHS, through public donations, is providing monthly food rations to poor families comprising 32 Malays, 22 Indians and 10 Chinese.

Comments Off on Ration Cards for the poor? »

Posted in BornInMalaysia

Tags:

Sinthamani Ashramam to be demolished?

June 29th, 2010
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


I was surprised to read this letter from HRP to PM Najib (who else?):

Extract from the letter:

We have been instructed to write on behalf of the Sintamany Orphanage, Jinjang Kuala Lumpur who has been served with a notice to demolish this seven year old Sintamany orphanage and the adjoining Hindu temple.

This home was founded by a 26 year old youth Praveendran a/l Balasamy who was moved to do so when he found a 13 year old Indian boy loitering by a rubbish dumpsite.

Today this home has 65 children with the youngest being an eight month old baby, thirty-five of these children are in primary school, 5 in secondary school, 2 old folks, three single parents and the rest being baby sitted at the home. This Sintamany home is also an orphanage to the abandoned, distressed, single mothers elderly and sickly Indians who have no where else to go.

This home is currently occupying an almost one acre unused land in Jinjang Utara belonging to the UMNO led Government of Malay-sia.

Last month some 50 UMNO policemen and welfare officers stormed this home bullied and harassed the occupants there to move out. Two children aged three and five become ill and were hospitalized as a result of this.

Other children sent to the government welfare homes are being forcibly converted to Islam like in the latest cases of Darshini and Banggarama (The Sun 25/11/2009 at page 4) .

Many of these orphans have been denied even their rightful birth certificates and this home is applying for the same for them.

It is the duty and responsibility of any government in any part of the world to take care of or orphans and One Malay-sia seems to be the exception in so far as the poor ethnic minority Malaysian Indians are concerned.

This home has never been assisted with a single cent or even a single cup of rice by the UMNO led Malay-sian government despite the RM 850 Million 2010 national budget as social safety net for the poor, disabled and senior citizens (News Straits Time 18/10/2009 at page 23). The pre existing poor local working class Rumah Panjang Indian community and other well wishers help maintain this orphanage. Why should the pre existing poor help this orphanage out financially when it is the duty and responsibility of the government.

This is a Tamil saying Mr . Prime Minister that if one cannot help the least one could do is not to do damage.

So please do not damage and demolish this Sintamany Orphanage on 30/06/2010 at 9.00 a.m.

Instead we urge your goodselves as not only the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on the Indians but also the Prime Minister for all Malaysians not including and segregating the Malaysian Indians to grant this home RM 200, 000.00 per annum and also the land this orphanage is  sitting on to be alienated to this orphanage in order for the poor, powerless and politically voiceless up to sixth generation Malaysian born Indians a shelter and a roof they need over their heads.

IF we remember food, shelter and clothing are the basic necessities in the life of a any human being and is about the most basic economic theory.

I remember reading that the home was indeed on public land, but all this while there was no interference or indication of the land going to be used for other purposes. I think its only wise to relocate the home to another location. It will look very very bad on government, DBKL, FT Minister Nong Chik, FT Deputy Minister Saravanan, PM Najib, and 1Malaysia concept if such noble efforts are just brushed aside in the name of development or progress. It may well drag down the Indian community support (82% in mid May according to Merdeka Center) towards PM and 1Malaysia when news goes around that government is going around demolishing ashramam nowadays.

The ashramam has been benefactor of few charity drives. Even announced in THR Raaga, appeared in Star news paper, and got donations from big companies.

Oh, they are on Facebook as well.

I guess it will need intervention of MIC folks since the authorities won’t be listening to HRP any time soon (what a shame though).

Comments Off on Sinthamani Ashramam to be demolished? »

Posted in BornInMalaysia, Indian

Tags:

Peanuts for SMC Students!

June 13th, 2010
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


Some token handout (RM15,000 x 50 = RM750,000) presented by PM Najib at SMC’s function earlier on Saturday.

At the launch, the prime minister presented 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) academic grants to 50 SMC students to further their studies in local universities.

The students had excelled in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examinations under the guidance of the SMC. Each received RM15,000.

Why I say token? Well, read this:

Seventeen students pursuing medicine in Egypt need no longer worry about their finances, thanks to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) which has offered RM5.1mil to sponsor their education.

Under the pilot programme, students from Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri and Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat who excelled in their SPM and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia will receive RM300,000 to cover their tuition fees and living expenses during their six-year course.

The scholarship comes from a partnership between the Government-owned strategic development company and the Islamic Development Department, which is responsible for selecting the scholars as well as monitoring and administering the scholarship.

It aims to increase the number of religious-educated professionals in the fields of science and technology.

The offer letter for the 1MDB scholarship was presented to the 17 lucky students by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is chairman of the 1MDB board of advisers in a ceremony yesterday.

RM5.1 million for 17 students studying medicine in overseas against RM750,00o for 50 students to study locally. And the 5.1 million is pilot program!!!

Do you feel happy, sad, or angry?

You know, 80% of Malaysians support 1Malaysia concept.

Oh wait, this is the article on PM Najib’s speech to youths earlier Saturday at another program:

The quota system and special consideration will no longer be defended in a move to harness global champions.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the philosophy of merely defending the quota system and special consideration must change.

“We will give aid to youths who are willing to work hard to succeed until they become global champions.

“If they are determined, the government will assist them,’’ he said to the cheers of 15,000 youths participating in 1Malaysia rally organised by Barisan Nasional Youth at Stadium Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Najib said the government would also provide assistance to all citizens in need, regardless of their ethnic background.

Najib also called on the youths not to be fearful in striding forward, as the government would help them overcome obstacles.

“Have no fear, the Barisan Nasional is here,’’ he said, adding the government aim to harness national, regional and global champions.

“Youths are idealistic. They want to do something to make the world a better place.

“They have idealism and energy. We can harness their latent talent to bring about great changes to the country,’’ he said, adding that the government’s approach was to accommodate youths.

Are you ROTFL or banging your head on the wall?

6 comments »

Posted in BornInMalaysia, Indian

Tags:

CSI by EWRF

May 17th, 2010
|  Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe to poobalan.com by Email


A laudable effort by EWRF:

Malcolm (not his real name) was a drug pusher and a ganja user from the tender age of 12. By 15, he would skip school and spend his time gambling.

He started drinking alcohol at 15, was expelled from school and was brazen enough to steal a motorbike from a police station.

Another boy, Sam (not his real name) started creating problems in school when he was only 10 years old. He joined an infamous gang when he was 15, stole and got involved in fights.

Another underachiever Manuel (also not his real name) stole, smuggled goods and drugs for a syndicate and almost lost his life.

By 15, these Indian teenagers, like many others, were fully aware of infamous gangs such as “36, 08 and 77.” School was far from their minds with drinking, smoking, crime and drugs becoming a norm in their lives.

However, all was not lost for these problematic Indian youth who were often dubbed as a “lost cause.”

They were referred to the Education, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF), a non-governmental organisation which helped turn their lives around.

“I was paid for the drugs I pushed and even saw people get killed. But now, I have reformed and am trying to improve my life,” said Malcolm.

EWRF executive director S. Malar said many – including Malcolm, Sam and Manuel – had turned over a new leaf, acquired skills and obtained decent jobs.

Yesterday, EWRP mooted a Civil Society Intervention (CSI) to target the “bad boys” and Indian underachievers in schools nationwide and reform them with an initial focus on five schools in the Klang Valley and Johor.

“The children just need guidance. We need to go down to their level and help understand them better. Some come from broken homes or are just mixing with the wrong crowd, but there is hope,” she said.

The CSI module, she said, was comprehensive and would be implemented by professionally trained personnel.

“Our work starts right from breaking the teenagers’ ego, grooming them – including cutting their ekor (hair), sending them for empowerment classes, skills training and ensuring they get jobs,” she said.

According to police sources, Indians committed 18% of crimes over the last three years with theft, robbery and rioting.

Comments Off on CSI by EWRF »

Posted in Indian

Tags: