The Pure Life Society in Puchong, Selangor

SHELTER Home for Children general manager, Cheok Hoong Poh said there is a “cut-off” age for youth to remain in the shelter.

“We house children from the age of four to 12. When they turn 13, we arrange for them to continue their stay at Shelter 2 in Kuala Lumpur for girls or Shelter 3 in Petaling Jaya for boys.”

At Shelter 2 and 3 respectively, Cheok said the youth remains there until they turn 18. During their stay, they are given the opportunity to study at secondary schools and there are volunteers at the shelter to help them with school work.

Apart from providing shelter and education, Cheok added that the displaced youth are also given counselling to help them cope with emotional distress that came from their traumatic past.

“Thanks to a local private university, we have volunteer psychologists who come to talk to the youth about how they are feeling and give them reassurance on whatever doubts they have about their future.”

A managing staff from Pure Life Society in Puchong, Selangor explained how some youth have no academic interests.

“Based on their academic results, we find that some youth have no inclination towards their studies. So we talk to them and try to find out what are their interests.”

Just like any other youth out there, they are encouraged to find their niche and work towards making it a skill they can utilise later in life. The staff was proud to cite two brothers who found their “calling” in the automotive field.

“There were two brothers who showed keen interest in cars. We realised that and wanted to help them achieve their goal in making it in the automobile industry.”

The staff added the brothers, P. Devaraj and P. Jayavarnam are currently attending a three-year vocational training course at the Institute of Automotive Technology (TEKAT College) in Kajang.

Another youth, V. Parthiban is currently studying for his diploma in Engineering at Megatech Vocational Training College in Jalan Klang Lama, KL .

Apart from that, youth at The Pure Life Society are also taught other practical skills such as gardening, cooking and sewing.

“It’s important that we provide them the opportunity to learn skills that can help them earn a living once they are independent enough to leave the shelter,” said the staff. – by ANGELIN YEOH