NGO to build RM1.5 million training centre in Kimanis
PENAMPANG: The Sanctuary of Hope wants to help youths in the interior areas of Sabah to gain skills so that they can find work and earn a living.
Its Director and Advisor Abraham, Jelius Aman said that the NGO wants to build a training centre for the purpose.
The centre will be located in Kimanis and is estimated to cost about RM1.5 million, he said.
“Our ultimate aim is to build an orphanage but we will start with the training centre,” he said when met at The Sanctuary of Hope’s Cultural Festival aimed at raising funds for the construction of the centre.
Last year The Sanctuary of Hope organised a Christmas bazaar at the ITCC mall here to raise funds for the centre.
Abraham said that the organization has applied for the land in Kimanis and the application is still pending.
He disclosed that The Sanctuary of Hope is run by a group of volunteers and they are currently operating out of a space provided by a church here.
“At the moment we have only a small group of trainees so we do not need a big place. But we hope to have at least 20 trainees in our training centre once it is operational,” he said.
“We do not aim to give them certificates, just skills so that they can go and get jobs,” he said adding that the training will be in various skills such as carpentry, sewing, steel welding and handicraft making among others.
He said that the NGO had gone to the interior areas in the district and found out that there are many youngsters there who are school dropouts.
Being a school droppout himself, Abraham said that this drove him to join the movement so that he could help the youngsters.
“Many were unable to continue their studies due to various reasons. We know that if nobody helps them, what will happen to them in the future?
“By giving them skills at least they can get jobs and improve their family and their own future,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile District Officer Luvita Koisun who officiated the event held at the ITCC mall said in her speech said that the theme was apt as Pesta Kaamatan is not too far away.
Luvita added that 2018 has been declared as the year where ‘we explore, experience and enjoy Penampang’.
“Events like this will bring prominence to our area and attract more tourists to Penampang.
“I am also happy to know that The Sanctuary of Hope youth group is able to continue their objective to serve and empower less privileged communities through pratical skills programs to create self sufficient individuals, families and communities,” she said.
As the District Officer, Luvita said she is pleased to see such events in Penampang and she is also encouraged by the efforts of the younger generation in doing work which will benefit the community as a whole.