Albela‘Keeping The Dream Alive’ Concert

Jul 01, 2015

By Stephie Joseph Benedict
With the aim of raising funds to aid victims of the Nepal and Sabah Earthquake, Pusat Belia Youth-PREP Alamesra held a fundraising concert on the evening of June 13, 2015. The concert, which took place at Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sabah (JKKN) successfully raised RM24,385.95, with tickets sold ranging from RM50, RM80 to RM100.

The fund-raising concert, with the theme, Keeping The Dream Alive mainly featured a young choir group, In Unity Chorale, based in Tamparuli, performing four sets of songs, including Michael Jackson’s We Are The World specially arranged as a tribute to the recent Sabah Earthquake victims. The event also included personal sharings by active volunteers of Youth-PREP Centre, Donna Minsun and Yong Sen Ling, as well as poetry recitations by pre-university students from SMK Bandaraya II.

“Through the activities that I joined, I built up my leadership and communication skills, gained more experience, and gained more knowledge about issues that happen locally as well as internationally.” -- Donna Minsun (YPC Animation Team - KK)

“YPC is like a house filled with love for all youths. I am impressed with the centre’s zeal and concern with youth’s preparation to enter society and face global challenges. I hope more youths out there will come to YPC.” -- Lucas Yong (YPC Animation Team - KK)

“I was a backstage crew during the concert. I learned about technical set-up and also improved my communication skills. Mr Adsone, In-Unity Chorale choir director, gave me a piece of advice — that to be successful, you must be good in what you do, so always try to improve yourself over and over again. I am truly blessed with this volunteering opportunity and all the new people I met.” -- Evans Rizal (YPC Animation Team - KK)

“The concert made me realise that there are a lot of things we can do as youths. Which reminds me of this quote: do more than exist, live; do more than hear, listen. YPC exists to give a positive impact, so youths will have a space to contribute, even though they are not academically intelligent.” — Achilleus Kidurong (YPC Animation Team – Tulid)

“I’m glad I’m a volunteer for YPC in Tulid because, I not only get to help other youths, I can also improve myself to be a better person. When I saw my peers from KK who were crews during the concert, I was inspired with their confidence, courage, support, commitment and cooperation with each other.”--Kristasia Robert (YPC Animation Team – Tulid)

Ten years ago, YouthPREPLink was launched as a youth preparation programme under Pusat Kebajikan Good Shepherd. It was inspired by the experience of the Good Shepherd Sisters who saw the struggles of our migrating youths in the big cities. The programme spread all over Sabah, including Sandakan, Kota Marudu, Keningau, Ranau and many other locations, with the aim of helping youths from all backgrounds to manage life in a new environment, and ultimately, to empower our youths to be community leaders.

In March 2010, Pusat Belia Youth-PREP Alamesra was established to answer the need of our youth to have a safe place for professional assistance and support on issues which matter most to them — education, relationships, work, family, financial stability and ultimately, a better future. Fondly known as Youth-PREP Centre (YPC), our centre has grown rapidly in the last five years, with a variety of programmes for rural youths, secondary school students and also those on campus. Be in touch with us through our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YouthPREPCentreAlamesra or contact us at 088-485371.