The YKN Kasih Ramadan: Her Journey programme unites 100 at-risk teenage girls to empower them with self-confidence, resilience, and the tools to shape their future.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) Kasih Ramadan: Her Journey programme unites 100 at-risk teenage girls to empower them with self-confidence, resilience, and the tools to shape their future.
The programme has brought together participants from YKN’s Anjung Sinar programme, aged 15 to 19, including orphans, victims of abuse or neglect, and adolescents under court orders in accordance with the Child Act 2001.
The Women, Family and Community Development minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said this programme was established as a focused and comprehensive intervention platform and provides participants with the space to understand themselves, build confidence, and strengthen their spirit.
She also encouraged teenage girls to embrace opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth, stressing that their past does not define their future.
“As we enjoy Ramadan with our families, we must also recognise that there are teenage girls going through challenging phases in life.
“They are at a critical stage of self-identity formation and require support, confidence, and emotional stability.
“They need guidance and opportunities to rebuild their inner strength and move forward with greater confidence,” she said at the launching of YKN Kasih Ramadan: Her Journey, here, today.
Nancy also said the programme is aligned with core values such as compassion, noble character, health, knowledge and harmony, with emphasis on holistic development including emotional well-being and social responsibility.
“To the young participants I care for, remember that each of you has value and potential to succeed. Your past does not define your future.
“Use this opportunity to build self-confidence, trust in your abilities, and move forward with renewed determination,” she said.
The minister also emphasised that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is essential to ensure that social interventions are implemented in an integrated and effective manner.
“Human development is a shared responsibility. Through close collaboration between ministries, government agencies, strategic partners, the private sector, and NGOs, we can build a stronger support ecosystem for vulnerable groups.
“Only with strong human values and collective commitment can we cultivate a generation that is stronger, resilient, and has integrity,” she said.
Nancy expressed hope that the programme will serve as a starting point for positive change in participants’ lives, ultimately helping to nurture a generation of strong, resilient, and principled women.
“We cannot let them walk alone. Comprehensive and structured interventions like this are crucial to help them emerge as resilient and dignified individuals,” she said.
The Sun Malaysia
