(From ninth left) Sebastian, Hii and others pose with winners of various competitions held in conjunction with the carnival.
SIBU: Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee has thrown a challenge to youths here to join at least one association or non-governmental organisation (NGO) in schools, institutions of higher learning or private bodies.
Hii stressed that this would
open the door to the ‘young and reckless’ for them to acquire knowledge and skills in planning, managing and implementing programmes.
“The knowledge and skills learnt will go a long way in assisting
you when facing challenges in life or your career in the future,” he said at the closing of the division-level Youth Transformation Carnival 2015 at Phase I of the town square here yesterday.
“Other merits include discouraging the younger generation from wasting their time in computer games and other electronic gadgets, or idling away in cafés,” he said.
In this respect, Hii hoped that parents and guardians would be responsive to his call by encouraging their children to join any association or NGO.
Sebastian Sujang Damu, who represented the permanent secretary of Social Development Ministry, officiated at the closing of the two-day carnival which kicked off on Saturday.
The event was jointly run by the ministry and Sibu Resident’s Office.
The ceremony yesterday was also attended by local community leaders Temenggong Stanley Geramong and Pemanca James Sembilan.
Adding on, Hii also urged all associations and NGOs to have their own youth components or units.
“We hope the NGOs and associations could activate their youth components or units and organise more programmes and activities for the youths.”
He added that associations, when planning programmes and activities for youths, should ensure that they would cater to those from all backgrounds under the spirit of 1Malaysia.
On the closing of the carnival, he said this would usher in more programmes and activities slated for the benefit of the youths going forward.
Meanwhile, Sebastian said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had pushed for the ministry to hold the carnival in all divisions across the state.
He disclosed that this division was the second venue after Kota Samarahan.
“Among the objectives are to engage youths in healthy and creative activities, as well as to steer them clear of unhealthy influences.”
The programmes throughout the carnival included briefings and workshops, exhibitions, sports and games, performances, talent shows and an appreciation ceremony.
The sports and games included aerobics, ‘Walk-a-Mile’ and ‘Sibu Fun Run’, wall-climbing, auto show and sports workshops.
Later, prizes were presented to winners of various competitions held in conjunction with the carnival.