INTI Orion.com

by Karen Keziah

‘Kem adeh bor’

This was what 16 year old Aziga had to say about the Orang Asli Youth Camp that was held in INTI University College (Nilai), Negeri Sembilan from 17th to 20th November 2008. When translated, it simply means that the camp was enjoyable. Reflecting on its motto; perspective and perseverance brings success, the main aim of the camp was to expose these youths to the learning of English. The camp was the result of a collaboration between the Adventure Club and Leo Club of INTI and was the first of its kind organized by the university college. The participants consisted of 33 orang asli youths with an age continuum of 13 to 17 years. They were accompanied by Mr. Johnson, a Malaysian Care representative acting as translator.

The participants were from Perak and came from different districts; Tapah, Simpang Pulai and Slim River. Participants arrived late afternoon on the first day of the camp and were treated to a lunch session with the organizing committee. They were encouraged to get to know each other and were introduced to the facilitators of the camp. For the first day, the camp focused on welcoming these youths and enabling them to familiarize with the sudden and new environment. A campus tour was held to this purpose, showing them around the academic block and hostel areas. The activities consequently increased in intensity on the second day of the camp. These activities were conducted in groups of seven to eight members, each headed by a group leader. The group leaders were elected amongst the camp committee and held the responsibility of guiding their members and helping them out in an event of any emergency situations. The main highlight of the day was the learning sessions which comprised of English, Computer and Singing classes. The English session was conducted by an INTI student and revealed fundamental basics of English grammar and vocabulary in general. These youths seemed rather shy at first instance but after several tries, they started warming up and attempted to answer questions put forward by the facilitator. Most took notes of what was taught and paid attention. The computer classes focused on teaching them the primary functions of computers such as the ‘paint’ and Microsoft Word application. The singing session, on the other hand, combined English learning with fun. Each group had to come up with their own group cheer. This activity indirectly encouraged cooperation and creativity of the English Language.

Apart from the learning sessions, fun was thrown in in the form of station games. The youths ran about completing tasks that required both stamina and strategy. These games encouraged team spirit and strengthened the bond already existent between them. On the third day, participants were introduced to art and craft making. They were required to make Japanese dolls and photo frames. While making the former, participants were instilled with the importance of having dreams and devising plans to achieve them. The activity required participants to name their doll and state their dream. Some wanted to be doctors, architects, soldiers and others hoped they would pass their examinations with excellence. Hopefully, they will achieve their dreams and receive guidance and support in aspects in which they lack. The final activity of the third day was the camp fire. Since it was a rainy night, the activity was modified to be conducted indoors instead. Fire from wood was replaced by fire from candles. Participants sang and danced around these candles. As the pale fiery light illuminated their happy faces, it was clearly evident that they were having the time of their life! The last day was a rather nostalgic and euphoric moment at the same time. A brief prize giving ceremony was held to show appreciation for their cooperation and willingness to participate in the camp. Dr. Sia Ah Hiok, the Associate Vice-President of Student Services and Alumni Division was invited to give a speech and subsequently give out the prizes to the winners. She was impressed by the efforts undertaken by the organizing committee in making the camp a success. She also commended their keenness on taking on this project since it was a first ever attempt and required tremendous commitment and dedication. She proceeded to motivate the participants on the significance of working hard to achieve one’s goals. Dr. Sia was accompanied by Ms. Lillian Tai Chiew Fang, the head of the Students Affairs Office. Ms. Lillian was of the opinion that this effort did not only benefit the campers but also the people either directly or indirectly involved in the organization of the camp. It was an educational experience and affected each individual differently. After the rather austere prize giving ceremony, campers were taken for lunch before preparing their luggage to depart from the venue that had been their home for the past four days. There was a brief photography session where campers and facilitators who had also camped in the sports hall exchanged addresses and telephone numbers. Despite the short period of time, the campers had become attached to the facilitators and were somewhat melancholic during the last moments before their departure. Perspective and Perseverance definitely brings success. The idea of organizing the first ever Orang Asli Youth Camp in INTI juxtaposed with the diligence portrayed by the organizers had definitely brought about success. The camp commandent, Joselyn Lee agreed that the camp was fun and beneficial but some participants were rather shy and required extra persuasion in order for them to contribute during the group discussions. However, these youths seemed open to changes and were willing to learn new things and grasp information volunteered to them. In future, if INTI came up with another camp of this sort, it was suggested that improvements were made to the time management of each activities since excessive time was wasted on certain activities which resulted in other activities running off schedule. The age of the participants should also be preferably closer to each other to ensure fullest cooperation. Overall, the two months of intensive planning that led to the formation of this camp has proven to be fruitful in the gratification of its objectives.