PUTRAJAYA – Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh emphasised the importance of inclusive Rakan Muda secretariat programmes at higher education institutions, aiming to extend participation to youths outside educational institutions.
Hannah’s call for inclusivity follows the distribution of funds to 16 higher education institutions in the first phase of this initiative.
For this phase, the Youth and Sports Ministry received 39 applications from 28 institutions and approved 16, allocating a total of RM280,000.
In the second phase, the ministry is reviewing 59 applications valued at RM1.18 million from 23 higher education institutions.
The Rakan Muda secretariat is a dedicated body established in public and private universities to implement Rakan Muda programmes and activities.
The financial assistance is allocated for organising programmes based on the 10 Rakan Muda lifestyle elements – active partner, earth partner, democracy partner, digital partner, expression partner, circuit partner, skilled partner, music partner, business partner, and caring partner.
“If we look at higher education institutions, they primarily consist of students who are keen to learn. However, not all youths are in institutions.
“When universities organise programmes, they should consider including local youths from the area as well. This makes the programme more inclusive, ensuring that those not in formal education can also participate.
“We need to think outside the box and use digital platforms to save costs. I don’t want the younger generation to think that if there’s no money, they can’t do anything. This mindset hinders progress.
“We have to be creative. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when we couldn’t leave our homes, we used Zoom and other platforms to communicate. I believe they can utilise these platforms to engage with youths outside their institutions.
“I want them to be inclusive. We have even conducted youth programmes in prisons,” said Hannah after officiating the Rakan Muda secretariat fund distribution ceremony in Putrajaya today.
Currently, there are 84 registered Rakan Muda secretariat units at higher education institutions. These activities aim to enhance students’ potential and foster good character and identity.
The Rakan Muda programme, established in 1994, was reinstated last year.
Budget 2024, as presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat last October, allocated RM20 million for the Rakan Muda programme to expand youth activities.
If these programmes receive positive feedback, the ministry may request additional funding from the government to further develop youth initiatives in the country.
“Although the allocation is not substantial, this is the first time we are distributing from the RM20 million fund.
“We will seek a larger budget for next year, based on the success of these programmes, and we will monitor the outcomes closely,” she added. – July 30, 2024