Thursday, September 24, 2009

A StART for underprivileged children

AN academy formed by Foetus International to nurture and cultivate creative talent among underprivileged children was launched recently by Social Welfare Department director-general Datuk Meme Zainal Rashid and Foetus International executive chairman Datuk Vincent Lee.

The StART Society organises and conducts programmes in art, music, drama, dancing and performing arts for underprivileged children from various orphanages, including Shelter, Ti Ratana, Rumah Kids, Agathians, Stepping Stone, and Beth Shalom.

"Here at StART, we provide children a safe place to express and articulate their feelings and emotions through the arts to help them unlock their God-given potential," explained Lee. "The future of these children is only as bright as the inspirations we provide today, hence, we envision them becoming wholesome adults armed with potential, character, skills, artistic and musical abilities."

When the classes commenced in April this year, the society attracted only 60 children. Today, it has some 150 children participating in its programmes.

StART’s recent collaboration with the Myanmar Refugee Centre has resulted in 60 marginalised children coming to the society to learn dancing and singing.

"We provide coaching, learning and mentoring sessions in the different disciplines," said StART programme director Joshua Lee.

He said the lessons and workshops are delivered by professionals from the creative industries, including prominent corporate business heads and artistes.

"Our winning formula also includes continuity and long-term mentor-mentee relationship between the child and teacher."

StART recently hosted a buka puasa event for the children. Guests who attended the function included Toh Puan Ena Ling, the wife of former MCA president Tun Ling Liong Sik, and Miss Malaysia World 2009 finalists.

The children also performed the theme song for World Children’s Day 2002 with guest artistes Ragged Tigers.

The evening ended with an auction of the children’s artworks, with proceeds being channelled to StART.



For more on StART, visit www.start.org.my or contact Joshua Lee at 012-6511 656 or Joshua.lee@start.org.my.

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