Community Service Journey

For the past one week, I've been busy doing all the preparation for the 'Program Kembara Khidmat Masyarakat Bersama KTM'. My position is the head committee for Preparation, Technical and Multimedia and its my responsibility to ensure the program run smoothly with the right venue, equipment and materials.

DAY 1 - RUMAH SERI KENANGAN, KANGAR, PERLIS
Now let's recap from the first day. We departed from IIUM to KL Sentral and take the 9pm train straight to Arau, Perlis. The journey took 13 hours and its not very comfortable in the third class coach. Then we went to Rumah Seri Kenangan at Kangar to get to know the citizen and having some fun. Apparently, its very hard to have a good communication with them because I'm having trouble with understanding what they are saying. Not just me, some of the old folks also having trouble to communicate with others. I feel sympathy for them because their children sent them to this place. In the evening, I placed my signage landmark there as a token of remembrance despite looks funny on the rear side. We left for Butterworth at 5pm.


DAY 2 - SEKOLAH TUNAS BAKTI, BUTTERWORTH, PULAU PINANG
This is the school of the bad luck children who committed offenses below 18 years old. Our objective is to get to know and understand their feelings and share experience. We conducted 'Bengkel Sahsiah Remaja' with some group activities and Fear Factor challenge. Its fun to see their participation and cooperation during the program. Before we know them, we always think of how dangerous and lack of cooperation but in the end, its a happy ending. One thing for sure, they are protected under Child Act whereas we are not allowed to take their picture. The food are delicious but the accomodation is poor. What to expect if your are trying to serve the society?


DAY 3 - KAMPUNG SG. DARA AND KAMPUNG BEHRANG ULU, BEHRANG, PERAK
Next is 'Sehari Berbakti di Kg. Sg. Dara dan Kg. Behrang Ulu' and this is the best day yet the most exhausting. We have telematch in the evening with the villagers, gotong-royong for preparation of wedding ceremony and and forum at the mosque. I was the emcee for the forum and closing ceremony. The program ended at 10pm and we finally arrived UIA at 1 in the morning.

I'm glad to join in this program and eventhough its tiring, I just can't stop involve in programs. This week, I'll having Taaruf week and this is the fourth time after 1 year rest from taaruf. Till then, happy holidays to all my friends!

AKHI Project updates

Everything runs very fast in this club. Can you imagine for the last two weeks, there are lots of programs and meetings which makes my life hectic during this fasting month. Imagine, after I've went to tarawikh prayer at mosque, I have to attend the meetings to discuss things and so on.

What's that for? There are meetings for the candidate trainer, which is supposed to be the future management board and I was one of them. I don't expect to get any position because I'm not available for months after the second semester.

So, above is the poster of the Heart of Gold III workshop. I am the Program Manager. Do you know? This is my first time being a PM for AKHI program. Its after 2 years of my involvement in this club. I hope this thing can run smoothly, InsyaAllah.

AKHI Ibadah Camp

I've joined AKHI Ibadah Camp last weekend from 18 to 20 May with the AKHI kids at IIUM mosque surrounding area. I was the head for Preparation & Technical committee and part time facilitator. This program was fully sponsored by IIUM SHAS Mosque and that's why it was named as Ibadah Camp with the theme 'Ibadah is Fun'.

I can say that the program is another success but deep inside I don't know how far the kids understand the concept of ibadah. For me, its simple. Anything that you do is an ibadah by remembering Allah. Eventhough in the first two days we were lack of committees and facilitators because of exams, the program is quite enjoyable. I love being a facilitator because it will bring me closer to the kids actually.

By joining this program, I've neglected Akademi Fantasia final concert and also my task for MultiDip group. Nevertheless, this coming Monday 28th is the second crit, and its payback time. Let's work harder guys!

Baktisiswa Kg. Pasir

I've joined Program Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa IPT at Kg. Pasir, Kuala Kubu Bharu from 3-6 May 2007. Actually, its just the same as in Kg. Lambor Kanan, Perak last year and this time, its kinda different.

Last time, me and Huzaifah lived with the old parents but this time, me, Ikhwan and Bakhtiar stayed with the whole family including 3 of their children. Our house is the farthest house among the participants. We also need to drive a car because 3 of us won't fit in a motorcycle.

I also have made a few international friends because there are Sevgi and Gulcan from Turkey, Saeed and Yoseof from Yaman as well as Adnan (India) and Miranti (Indonesia). I've learn some Turkey phrase and speaks Indonesian with Miranti n Yoesof.

This time, I have to design and construct the landmark for the village. As usual, its a simple signage but its easier to be constructed if I do it in KAED workshop with the machines. I don't know how long it will last but I think its nice eventhough its kinda odd to see such thing there.

4 days is better than 3 days because we have more time with the family. I slept in the living room and watched ASTRO with the family. Celcom coverage is very poor in Taman Lembah Damai. They treated me as their own family, that's why I love this family very much. I hope I can come again to this place some day.

Kem Bina Insan

It was a 3 day program from 6-8 April, called Kem Bina Insan 1 at Sekolah Menengah Agama Mahmudy (SMAM), Kg. Awah, Chenor, Pahang. Since Sister Salmiha which graduates last year has become part time teacher in this school, she invited fellow members from AKHI Project to be the facilitators and committee members for this event.

SMAM was a Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) and I never thought about SAR until I stepped into this school. Few years back, there was a controversy regarding this issue. Now the school is categorised as Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan. However, the facility and infrastructure is poor. At least I can bear for 2 nights with it.

There are two education system in the school, academic and tahfiz. There are more boys than girls. For tahfiz, there are only boys students, ranging from 13-20 and also some Indonesian and Brunei student.

How about the program? I was a facilitator for group 3, paired with Saidatul Nadiah with 20 boys students from form 1 to form 3. They are not that participative compared to AKHI mentees. Quite passive and lazy. I guess this is among the challenges for me since its the first time facilitating secondary school students. Hey, there was 1 time when I was in SM Teknik, I facilitate my classmates. That's how I've started and interested in such activities.

I'm so not me.
My friend, Fitrah Muda brought her Indonesian girl named Miranti. She has a cute baby face look. Usually, I'll be interested to get to know beautiful girl but I don't talk with her at all. I only made some meaningless eye contact.

What else? Since we brought in the name and image of UIA, I need to observe my behaviour and muamalah. And since the program was in a religious school, I don't have the chance to get to know the girl students through LDK. So, in the last day after the closing ceremony, most of the students will get our contact numbers. I just stay out of the hall so that they won't get mine.

Why am I such an egoistic idiot? I don't know them personally and I don't think I can make it. And I can't help myself to flirt with any school girl no more. Plus they are from religious school.

After the program finished, we went to Syarah's house at Bera to have a food party. We arrived UIA at 730pm.

AKHI Taaruf Camp

It’s the first camp for the year 2007 with the objectives to mix and let mentor and mentees know each other. The event took place around IIUM SHAS Mosque on 17th and 18th February 2007.

So, here’s my short review about the camp. I was late on the first day but its OK because they group keep on reshuffling in order to achieve the objective. I’m impressed with the new facilitators where they have their own unique approach in conducting the LDK or modules. By the way, there’s one newbie which is totally eye catching. Ooops!

How about the kids? There are many new kids on the block and some of the girls are cute too! However, people are vary and its kinda testing our patience and skills on how to handle hyperactive kids.

The first day is really tiring. After the night walk session, I fall asleep soundly at the mosque. The next day is just the same but is kinda sad when I’m leaving my group during the reshuffle session. FYI, I’m quite surprise to see one of the kids was selected to be on ‘Macam Macam Aznil’ talk show in the ‘Anakku’ slot.

In short, I really enjoy my weekend with those kids after having too much pressure on the Friday’s studio. It’s a good start for this year and I can’t wait to see the kids again in the next program.

Kg. Lambor Kanan

Its a three days program in Kampung Lambor Kanan, Perak. I was one of the participant in the Program Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa IPT 2006 in Perak state level. So, what's the program is all about?

In UIA itself, the program sounds more like 'Baktisiswa' where a bunch of university students (siswa) will contribute (bakti) to the villagers and old folks in a village. Each student will become their adopted children and they have to stay and live with the villager's citizen.

Actually, its my first time joining such program in UIA. I was with Huzaifah, both of us living in the same family of Mr. Ayat and wife. He's 72 and I'm more likely to call him 'Tok/Grandpa' than calling him 'Bapak/Dad'. Since my parent's hometown are also in Perak, I don't have much communication problems with them eventhough sometime my 'dad' speak Perak slanga that I couldn't catch.

So, hows the program through out these 3 days? Seriously, its very short. I was the head of Preparation & Technical committee while Huzaifah was the assistant of Program Coordinator. Both of us have lot of things to be done. That's why we couldn't spend much quality time with our 'parents'. I'm terribly busy preparing the landmark, or so call 'signage' for Ridzuaniah Mosque with Sofiy.

One thing that's sounds funny is that, my 'dad' has his own hardware shop and I was the one who design the signage. Its kinda coincidence where both of us working as supplier and constructor. I know, its such a memorable thing in my life where I have to finish the structure within 2 days. If only we construct the whole thing with enough facilities in workshop, its gonna take lesser time.

But wait, there's no multimedia committee for this program. That's the problem when they know that I have multimedia skills.. I was also the multimedia committee and I need to prepare the presentation for the last day closing ceremony. So, all in one word.. HECTIC!

On the other hands, my friend told me that.. why the ministry wanted to put on this program in such a hurry? Its just because its the end of year and they want to finish the budget that was allocated for them. Yes, they can finish all the money given but they forgot the spirit inside this program. I never felt the spirit. I don't feel anything and its not what I expect to have on the last day.

I'm totally jealous where some other participant, whose are not in charge as committee, they seems to have fun and having quality time with their families. What else? I'm pity my program coordinators, Shikin and Huzaifah, where they have prepared with master plan for the whole program, and unfortunately, the representative among the villagers messed the program with their own tentative. Its not systematic and not professional. Its hard to change their mentalities in a short time..

But there's also the good thing beside gaining new experience. I've expanded my network among students from Rakan Muda Secretariat and I need to have better knowledge in design as well as constructing them together. Guess, that's just a bit of what I've been through last week.

P/S - pictures will be uploaded later!

Camping at Sg. Congkak

Its AKHI Self Preparation Camp at Sungai Congkak, Hulu Langat Selangor. Its my first time going for a camping and sleeping in small tent. In the previous camping program, we have to sleep in dorm or hostel and I really appreciate this time camping.

Since its AKHI Project programme, of course we bring together the school kids to have fun like us. The good this is that, its not an academic based camping for them. They are having school break and we also just finished our exam, that's why we really enjoying this time being together.

• Its my second time being in Sungai Congkak. My first time was when I was in primary school
• Some of the activities with the kids are having fun with moduls for outdoor and indoor activities. I was the facilitator for 1 group with 8 kids.And my assistant is Sis. Iza and Sis. Syarah. Thanks girls for assisting me!
• The place is really dark at night. The next time, we should request for the generator with the pendarfluor lights. It doesn't cost much at all.
• Jungle trekking is the most challenging ever. The path is clearly the less traveled route. Its my first time also got leech on me. But, I'm very careful where the leech is not quick enough to suck my blood and I've managed to throw them over
• The kids are cute, lovely and adorable. All I can do is to support them academically and morally so that they will become a good person in the future. I really enjoy my time with them. Can't wait for the next mentoring programme probably this January 07.

Humanitarian Week

Humanitarian Week. Its a central event with 6 spectacular sub programmes such as exhibition & blood donation, cultural stage performance, family day, national seminar, video corporate project analysis and appreciation night dinner. This event combines 10 clubs/project from CENSERVE Team such as AKHI, Caring Club, Karisma, Gemilang etc.

I was the central committee for multimedia (again?) and my work is not that much compares to Taaruf Week stuff because I'm the head of multimedia. So, I just asked my sub comm to do the flashes for the backdrop of some programmes. Special thanks to my new friends from Karisma Club; Jennifer, Shazwani, Laila, Laily and Zanisa. Its fun working with you guys.

For multimedia, what have I done? Not much. Just some flash advertisement for library jumbotron (its just plasma tv), capture some videos at blood donation, exhibition and cultural performances, doing e-backdrop for cultural stage too and as well as teaching Laily and Zanisa on how to create flash with SwishMax. Now that's what important in working as multimedia committee. You see.. they start with zero about flash. But I do appreciate their commitment to learn and produce a good flash even its just for e-backdrop. Besides, its easier to learn with an expert rather than exploring by on your own. I also currently looking for expert in After Effects. Anyone out there free to help?

Why AKHI Project was losing during the family day? I agreed with Roy that AKHI members was involve as committee and we don't have enough members for certain games. Anyway, I hope for the next time, we can play rather than being a committee. Lack of members is another issue. I've been thinking on the future of AKHI project. Some of the main boards will grad and ... (currently speechless) Its depend on you guys to be active and support this club. Let us be united.. in the frame of strong iman and ukhwah (like Roslan's song).

By the way, AKHI won the first runner up for the musical competition at cultural stage. I'm sorry because I'm taking some time to compose the song. If only we have more time to practice and synchronizing the song, I'm sure AKHI can win that night.

AKHI: Arts & Sports

Firstly, I hope you enjoy the new song, 'WAWASAN AKHI'. By the way, I just wanna tell you guys that, about the video clip. It was not my voice. Its my friend's voice. I'm not a good singer, always sings out of tune/pitch. I'm good at miming technique. :P

I'm looking forward to record that song in a proper surrounding, yea.. studio recording. I'm looking for talented male voice.. I think sis Amy has a good vocal.. Hehe.. I'll practice the song with my band and I'm considering of doing second version, the melancholic version. Fast beat and melancholic... both for different environment and emotion..

About futsal match on last Friday, yea.. I did play but I hope I can play better next time. What makes us lose that day? I think, instead of fitness, maybe the strategy and lack of training.. I dun wanna talk much bout it. Bro Najib and Bro. Yazid has elaborate bout this, right?

P/S - AKHI = male futsal team.. how bout UKHTI = female team... yea.. we have numbers of girls in AKHI right? OK, if its not futsal, then play netball perhaps!

Akhi! Saya Boleh!

Yahoo! Group - Akhi Project

Its the first mentoring program in Akhi Project with the kids. I woke up early and I went to Economics building. Unfortunately, there were only around 40 standard 5 students, boys and girls. They gonna bring another 40 standard 4 students in the next week mentoring program. Those kids come from SK Bandar Baru Sentul and SK Setapak Indah.

When I look at them, I tried to recall about how was I during that age. I am such a naughty kid and its not an easy task if you wanna get along with these kids. Most of the boys was very active a.k.a. hyperactive and as a mentor, we shouldn't treat them like our own brothers where you can scold at them and there's the challenge mentally. Besides being as fun as I can to get along with them, I need to improve much on my communication skill.

I disperse myself at 6pm after they've departed back home and I went to the swimming pool with my friend. I think for the whole week, that evening have a good sunset shot to be taken for my 'Photomedia' class. After I walked for a while to get the good composition for the sunset, I still not satisfied. Here's the picture I've taken.



To get a good shot, I need to get inside the girls college where boys are strictly prohibited. Anyway, once I return to my room, I slept till I forget to have dinner. I haven't recover my sleep since last 3 days. Gotta sleep and think again about my assignments.

AKHI Project

Yahoo! Group - Akhi Project
Anak-anak Berakhlak Islam Project. Its a community service that involve students of UIA and adolescents from 10-12 years old from selected schools. Its about mentoring program and these mentor will have these mentoring session and develop the kids academically, spiritually and personally. So, what is it with me?

I've joined this program and I'm gonna give full commitment and do some sacrifices in order to make myself a place in this group. Yea, since one of my 2006's resolutions is to get network and do some community service, its a great platform for me. I just went to its 'training course' on 31st Dec and 1st Jan 2006. Whoa! While others were having fun celebrating new year, there's a bunch of students sacrificed their weekend for this program.. for the sake of the community.. hehe

I just wanna give some shots about this weekend program. The tentative is just cool and so do the trainers and comittees. I'm glad I've joined this group because, for sure I've gotta know more students and of course some girls from different kulliyahs. We have played a real role playing game of detectives. We need to investigate all the suspects of a murder case. If you don't get what I mean, you can check this website.
http://www.itmgames.co.uk/mal_synop.htm

Till then, I'll sure to report anything that interesting with this project.