HOPE worldwide's CEO in Malaysia!

During the last 29 August to 01 September, we were so privileged to have the CEO of HOPE worldwide, Randy Jordan and his wife Jan Jordan all the way from Philadelphia to come to Malaysia to visit us - Persatuan Kebajikan HOPE worldwide Kuala Lumpur!

On the 30 August, Randy and Jan's arrival to our office located at Fahrenheit Plaza (formerly known as KL Plaza). We prepared some snacks to welcome both of them. We bought the finest egg tarts and "Siew Pau" in town which were very impressive for them as believed to be their first time tasting the Malaysian's local snacks! Not forgetting a cup of warm Ipoh White Coffee prepared by our expert Coffee Brewer Katy!

Subsequently, our director Darick to do a presentation with our works and programs throughout these years. Randy was indeed very impressed with our works, as we were within a limited budget, doing unlimited things for the poor and needy. He also shared with us his past experiences in managing the HOPE worldwide in Philadelphia. He's been through a lot of challenges too, especially in managing the financial problems.

Right after that, we've lunch at Madam Kwan's, Pavilion. The next itinerary will be visiting a few beneficial families of HOPE worldwide KL at Sentul. Randy and Jan got a chance to distribute food and communicate with them. That was a really great experience that Randy even posted the picture of him during visiting one of our beneficial family on ICOC Hot News!

On the very next day, greater itinerary! That's be with the kids of HOPE worldwide KL at our Free Clinic in Sentul. 31 August itself is Malaysian's historical independence Day, at the same time, historical moment also happen in HOPE worldwide KL's centre in Sentul! We form a group of 25 children choir, and together, they sang "Heal The World" beautifully with gestures just to warmly welcome both Randy and Jan Jordan! We, the volunteer teachers with the children together, had prepared a BIG card for their remembrance too! On that day, Randy and Jan got a chance to involve in our MY Reading Program, where we sing along some nursery rhymes, and even the story telling session by our awesome volunteer teacher Choong!

Randy and Jan was very moved, not only by the programs we're doing, but by the passion and love towards people, especially from the volunteers!

Randy's visits to HOPE worldwide KL's office, having interaction with both Country Director Mr. Darick Wong and Assistant Country Director, Ms. Katy Lee.

Randy and Jan Jordan, a lovely couple :)

Group photo with the staff of HOPE worldwide Kuala Lumpur at our office!

The historical moment on 31 August 2010: Kids of HOPE worldwide KL, taking picture with Randy and Jan Jordan, together with our always passionate and loving volunteers!

Here, a remembrance for Randy and Jan Jordan! Thank you so much for coming here, just to be with us! We hope to see you guys again!

By Caesar Teh

Introducing MY Reading Program to East Malaysia

Finally, MY Reading Program is prepared to expand it's inspiration to the beautiful East Malaysia! That was a great experience! We've been to both Kota Kinabalu and Kuching within 17 to 19 August 2010 to do some survey on places and at the same time, to introduce the MY Reading Program as well.

When we were in Kota Kinabalu, we went to a school named Sekolah Kebangsaan Likas Kota Kinabalu. There were around 1,000 students, majority of them came from below average family background. We managed to meet a teacher, who is in charge of afternoon session students affair, and she was impressed with the program that we're introducing to her.

Katy, myself and one of the volunteer, Karen, who's helping us to develop the MY Reading Program in Kota Kinabalu

Introduction of the MY Reading Program and presentation of works in HOPE worldwide Malaysia.

A place that we spotted which is very suitable to become the location for MY Reading Program

We manage to meet another group of volunteers who were very interested with our program

Well, on the 19 August, our mission had brought to Kuching, Sarawak. Now, we met Stephen, who is our volunteer that station in Kuching, he brought us to a school located at rural area - SK Melansai at Serian.

The students here were all from the rural community. They did not have much concentration given from parents on their academic development, as their parents were very busy to work and earn to support the living.

We had a meeting with the headmaster and a few teachers, they believe that this program is helpful both the teachers and the students, not only in improving the students' English, most importantly, the teachers too will get to learn something on how to encourage the students to learn and appreciate the language.

The entrance of SK Melansai

Rural area where have fresh air and surrounded by green sceneries

Meeting with headmaster and teachers

Students from primary one

Lukas, one of the students who is having dyslexia, was there yearning for help and guidance. Even he is just being quiet, but we can sense his helplessness. We believe that MY Reading Program shall help him to take a step forward, to overcome this obstacles that stopping him to learn and express himself.

MY Reading Program also will be developed to Johor Bahru and Seremban. Shall update more in this blog! Catch up with us!

For those who were interested to join us as a volunteer facilitator for MY Reading Program, do email your profile to us at caesarteh@hopeww.org.my

Caesar Teh