VOLUNTEERISM is like an addiction; once you feel the high from reaping your efforts, it is difficult to get out of it. Or, at least, that\u2019s the view of two young men.<\/p>\n
When almost everyone else their age are busy partying on weekends, Kartick Arumugam, 25, and Ketheswaaran Nadarajah, 22, have their schedules packed with tutoring and coaching young children. Being beneficiaries of kind hearts themselves, the duo are carrying on the torch by dedicating their time and effort to help others in need.<\/p>\n
Kartick, a final-year dentistry student, recalled how difficult times were for him and his family after his father passed away when he was 17 years old. Just as he was about to embark on his tertiary studies, his family was hit by a financial crisis.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thestar.com.my\/archives\/2012\/6\/21\/central\/m_09Kartick.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\u201cWhile looking for help, I came across an NGO who was willing to partially support my studies and I took up the offer. I realised what an important role these types of organisations play in people\u2019s lives, and it naturally came upon me to give back to the community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As for Ketheswaaran, his father played a vital role in instilling the value of dedication and compassion.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father was a very dedicated discipline teacher, working in a school with a high record of problematic students. I grew up watching how he would go all out even during his off days to visit his students and their parents to ensure that they were doing well.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrue enough, the school\u2019s discipline records got better by the year and I believe my father played a big role in the change of behaviour. I saw that these children needed attention and with the right approach, they can change for the better,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Although being a teacher\u2019s son, Ketheswaaran would not say that he was an exemplary child.<\/p>\n
\u201cI gave my father a hard time too with my unfavourable antics,\u201d he said, adding that he attended a different school.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thestar.com.my\/archives\/2012\/6\/21\/central\/m_09Ketheswaaran.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\u201cI was enrolled in a \u201cmentor-mentee\u201d programme which brought about changes in my behaviour. Since the mentor was someone older but still in my age range, my friends and I tend to look to him for guidance and he influenced us in a good way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The duo are now part of the team at Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF), a charitable NGO dedicated to assisting the less privileged Indian students in the country.<\/p>\n
Kartick, who leads the team of volunteers in Subang, explained that they work by assigning a team to cover an area.<\/p>\n
\u201cA programme can kick off once we can gather a pool of volunteers to work in a specific area. We are starting with the young ones by working with Tamil schools to identify Year One and Two pupils who are struggling with the English language. These pupils are then enrolled for free English tuition conducted by us.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe English language plays a vital role in instilling confidence in them to communicate with the other races, and prepare them for equal participation once they step into secondary school.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have a 21-day camp for Year Six pupils after the UPSR examinations. The activities instill good values and self-confidence to ensure a smoother transition to secondary school,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ketheswaaran leads the team of volunteers in Ampang.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have an innovative programme to prevent youths from getting involved in crime. Similar to mentor-mentee programmes, a team of volunteers will have regular sporting activities like football training during the weekends at the school to encourage the boys to participate.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenerally, boys are very interested in sports and we find that this is a good way to inculcate good values like punctuality and self-discipline. We have a system of rewarding them, with gifts like sports merchandise, for good conduct and the response has been encouraging.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only does sporting activities tire them out in a healthy way, it also deters them from joining bad company,\u201d said Ketheswaaran.<\/p>\n
Besides that, EWRF conducts personality tests for students from all races from Form Three to Five to guide them on their career path.<\/p>\n
\u201cI personally would have benefited from this test as I recently found my interest to be linked with management, but I am currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering. Many are unaware of the various career choices available and only stick to the famous professions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also coordinate the placement of underachieving students in government skills-training institutes,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Established in January 1979, EWRF holds a mission to promote education as key for advancement in the community and generate a sense of self worth as well as discipline, which in turn encourages greater participation in the social and economic development of the nation.<\/p>\n
Initially, the activities were directed more towards medium and high-achieving students to improve and maintain their social behaviour and progress in education. However, the focus has been switched to the under-achievers in view of the increasing number of school dropouts and rise in juvenile and criminal activities.<\/p>\n
EWRF is based in Kuala Lumpur and has 23 branches throughout the country. The headquarters is at 3rd floor, Wisma RA, 12 Jalan Dang Wangi, Kuala Lumpur. Many programmes are running concurrently throughout the year.<\/p>\n
To sign up as a volunteer and for more details, call 03-2693 4671\/03-2693 4672 or the toll-free number 1800 883 973 or visit\u00a0www.ewrf.com.my<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n