Tech training for inmates
By PRASANNA RAMAN (New Straits Times Nov 24 2005)
Inmates of various detention centers are usually taught handicraft,
batik printing or woodwork in hopes that these skills would help
them make a living upon their release form such centers. But in
today’s digital age, such skills are secondary compared
to IT skills, which easily promise better job opportunities.
With this mind, the Samsung DigitAll Hope programme aims to help
selected Henry Gurney School (HGS) inmates gain IT skills to build
a better future.
The grants offered under the programme are part of Samsung’s
regional social initiative in Southeast Asia and Australia to
help less fortune youths improve their lives with technology.
“In the past two years, Samsung has given RM1.5 million
in grants to improve the lives of the needy, and to bridge the
digital divide. This year, Samsung has set aside another US$500,000
( RM 1.9 billion ) to award local organization.” Says Samsung
electronics Malaysia’s managing director Wong Jung-Duk.
This year’s RM 370,000 grant winner for Malaysia is the
non-profit Pertubuhan Prihatin Sosial Malaysia.
Undertaking the e-skills development training programme for HGS
inmates, called Samsung YOUTHprenenur-Empowering HGS Inmates in
Digital Micro-enterprises. Pertubuhan prihatin sosial’s
representative Mahalingam Chelliah says 387 inmates (351 male
inmates of HGS in Malacca and the rest female inmates of HGS in
Batu Gajah, Perak) have been identified to receive the training,which
will commence Dec 1.
“We will engage both the services of professional IT trainers
as well as iur volunteers who are IT Savvy to coach the inmate
to pick up the skills.”
Three modules will be taught during the six months training:
Desktop publishing, digital photography and digital videography.
In addition to hands-on training, the non-profit firms will undertake
related seminars, workshops and motivational talks to help build
the inmates’ confidence.
“Upon completion of their training and their release, we
will help these inmates to set up small business by linking up
with the Ministers that can provide them with seed funding,”
Mahalingam adds.
Besides Wong and Mahalingam, also present at the grant presentation
ceremony, representing the national judges for the grant award
were Star Publications (M) Bhd’s group editorial and education
adviser Datuk Ng Poh Tip and HT Consulting Group’s chief
executive officer Harres Tan.
