Fact Booklet

Contents

1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL SOCIETY INTERVENTION

(CSI)

OBJECTIVE OF CSI PROGRAMME

INTERVENTION METHOD

TARGET GROUP

MONITORING AND REPORTING

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

CSI Modules

Evaluation and Assessment

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

2.7

1.0

INTRODUCTION

The Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation (EWRF) is a charitable nongovernmental organization (NGO) which is dedicated in assisting the less privileged
students. Established in January 1979 under the Societies Act 1966, our mission is to
promote education as a key for advancement in our community and generate a sense of
self-worth, discipline which encourages greater participation in the social and economic
development of the nation.
EWRF is based in Kuala Lumpur with 23 branches strategically placed throughout the
country to reach out to the target groups effectively.
In the initial years, our activities were directed more towards medium and high achievers
category of students with the objective of improving their social behavior and maintaining
acceptable levels of progress in education. However, that situation changed in the recent
years with serious social problems besieging the under achieving students. School dropout
rates are on the rise with corresponding rise in juvenile and criminal activities. Poverty and
sub culture poverty have been identified as the key reasons for the increasing number of
dropouts in schools.

1.1

CORE VISION AND MISSION

Vision:
A progressive, dynamic and sustainable community through effective human capital
development
Mission:
Community development by empowering academically underperforming students and
socially-challenged students with relevant competencies towards enhancing their academic
achievement and personality in gaining financial sustainability.

2.0

INTRODUCTION TO CIVIL SOCIETY INTERVENTION (CSI)

This is an innovative programme which acts as a crime prevention plan among the Indian
youths with a specific aim to reduce crime rate and improve positive attitude among the
Indian community. Students were exposed to character building, sports activities, and also
empowerment camps during the 20 weeks program. This long term intervention produced
better impact as opposed to short term or one off program that usually targets this specific
population. Besides that, students were exposed to the importance of social consciousness
by getting involved in community service activities such visits to prison, welfare homes, old
folks home and drug rehabilitation centre which also acts as a deterrent for these young
people from getting involved in criminal activities.
CSI was launched in 2010 and managed to reach out to 8 centres throughout the nation and
benefitted 430 students. 2011 saw an increase in number of centres taking up this ambitious
endeavor to 11 centres reaching out to more than 600 students. In 2012, this program was
carried out successfully at 20 centres reaching out to more than 700 students. In 2013, 13
branches were involved, reaching about 375 students. In 2014, 9 branches were involved,
reaching about 180 students.
2.1

OBJECTIVE OF CSI PROGRAMME

To address the negative social behaviour and education levels of the underachievers
to reduce involvement in crime and delinquent behaviour among young Malaysian
Indians.
To instil positive attitude among the members of the Indian community.

2. 2

INTERVENTION METHOD

With the support from school teachers, students who are underachieving academically were
identified and were recruited in the 20 weeks program that included the following:
a) Camps
These 2 or 3 days camp combine the elements of fun, teamwork, exploration,
nature with some degree of motivation built into it. The purpose of this activity is
to inculcate positive messages that include fun without negative elements that
are plaguing the nation such as drugs, sex, alcohol, cigarette and so forth. These
activities help to build camaraderie among the participants as well with the
facilitators/coordinators.
b) Sports activities
Outdoor activities such football, netball, silambam and kabbadi were introduced
to allow students to spend their time positively, stay healthy and also an
opportunity to unlock their talents. Professional coaches were identified and
engaged to coach the students on a weekly basis. This approach inculcated
discipline, sportsmanship and team work among these underprivileged students.
c) Character building activities
This component aims to instill positive values, build their self-esteem,
confidence, coping skills and in a nutshell, promote personal and social growth
of individuals full human potential and thereby reduce physical, mental,
emotional and social impairment which results in antisocial behaviour.
Experience learning activities (ELA) that combine fun and exploration were used
on weekly basis or every fortnight to increase self-awareness, social awareness,
self-management, relationship management and also responsible decision
making.

2.3

TARGET GROUP

Our priority is high risk academically challenged students from lower secondary schools. This
particular group was selected based on the fact that they are the most vulnerable to peer
pressure and by equipping these students with the right tools, they will be able to resist
negative influences and focus on being a productive member of the society. Priority must be
given to students with the following criteria:
1. Students with frequent loss of demerit points in school (disciplinary
issues)
2. Students who obtain grade below C/D in most of the subjects
3. Students who are from poor socio economic background
4. Students who are living in areas where they are prone to involve in social
problems
5. Students with low self-esteem
2.4

MONITORING AND REPORTING

The CSI Task Force was set up to oversee the planning and execution of the
programme to ensure the effectiveness.
The implementing centres submitted weekly updates which will be compiled at the
EWRF Secretariat for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
Regular visits to monitor the activities was carried by the branch officials
Project Officer / Coordinator from the HQ visited the centres periodically to ensure
the programmes are running smoothly.
School authorities and parents were updated on the progress of the programme.
Annual report sent to the Government to update the progress of the program.
Final report along with financials sent to donors upon the completion of the
programme. These reports will enable donors to see the progress of the camps and
accomplishments and its impacts on the students.

2.5

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

a)

CSI Sessions

The program will be conducted for duration of 20 weeks ( 1 Camp + 13 character

building/sports

+ 2 + 10 Counseling + 1 Sports & Games Tournament + 1 C3G+ CSI

Closing) and starts on the 1st week of March 2015 and will be concluded on august 2015*.
CSI 2015 SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
N

Session

Action Plan

Session 1

Introduction Camp

Session 2

Character Building/Sports

Session 3

Character Building/Sports

Session 4

Counselling

Session 5

Character Building/Speaker slot

Session 6

C3G

Session 7

Character Building/Sports

Session 8

Character Building/Sports

Session 9

Character Building/Speaker slot

Session

10

Session

11

Session

12

Session

13

Session

14

Session

15

Session

16

Session

17

Session

18

Character Building/Sports

Counselling
Sessions

Session 1

Session 2

Report Booklet 1

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5
Report Booklet 2

Character Building/Sports

Counselling

Report

Session 6

Character Building/Speaker slot

*STI Day

Session 7

Character Building/Sports

Character Building/Sports

Session 8

Sports Tournament

Character Building/Sports

Session 9

Report Booklet 3

Session

19

Session

20

Character Building/Sports

CSI Closing

Session 10

Each session should not have less than 30 or more than 30 students. If the student number
exceeds 30, then another centre should be formed. For every 30 students, two facilitators
should be assigned. The sessions should only be conducted once in a week or 3 hours. No
classes should be conducted during school holidays. Before starting the program, EWRF
Branches should submit the endorsed confirmation slip (Refer to Appendix 2) to EWRF HQ
b)

CSI Closing

The CSI closing will be held on the last session where the branch needs to bare the
expenses for the closing ceremony. HQ will provide the certificate for all the CSI
participants.
2.6

CSI Modules

a)

Handbook for Facilitators & Reporting Booklets

Handbook for facilitators & reporting booklets will be provided which includes report booklet
1-3 The items will be sent as a SOFT COPY. Facilitators handbook consists of character
building activities and energizers.
2.7

Evaluation and Assessment

Students will be assessed through the weekly report, academic and discipline progress
report. Along with this, we will also provide Notes on Behavior Observation which will be
used by the facilitator to record the students' behavior pattern on the 2nd week and the 18th
week of the program.