PETALING JAYA — Participants of the AsiaWorks Leadership Programme 88 (LP88) spent the weekend in service to the Orang Asli (aborigines of Malaysia ) in the settlement of Sg. Yol, in the Ulu Dong District in Pahang. LP88 raised approximately RM8,000 to purchase basic necessities, renovation and cleaning materials, together with paint, games and decorations for the Pusat Bacaan (Reading Centre) in the village. They also organised the donation of books, reading materials, vitamins from Pharmaniaga, instant noodles from Nestlé, 50 crates of bottled water to be given to the 42 Orang Asli families of that community aged from two years to 80 years of age.

Upon reaching the settlement of Sg. Yol, the 41 participants of LP88, and 20 additional volunteers comprising of family, friends and previous Leadership Programme graduates, and the Orang Asli, cleared the surrounding of the reading centre, painted the walls and windows, moved items in the building, washed the ground, and put the learning materials and books of the Pusat Bacaan together.

Some volunteers entertained the children, organised games, and put paint on the children's hand to make their handprints on the wall of the Pusat Bacaan. The team learned and danced the traditional dance of the Orang Asli, also learned about their life style and culture.

"I enjoyed myself because there are so many people," said Yasmin, a nine year old child living in the community. "I am very happy because I did so many things that I have never done before."

"I had fun because it is very seldom to see people do something for us," said Faruz, a 30–year old farmer in the Orang Asli community.

"I realised one thing, the thing that we created is not how well we organised the event or how well we repaired and decorated the Pusat Bacaan or how delicious the food tasted, it was really the smiles on their faces, especially the children and the happiness I felt when the villagers were in the room, children playing with the toys, adults reading the magazines and all were having fun. That moment was a WOW for me!" said Mervin, a 20–year old student and participant of LP88.

"I learnt that I could make a difference to another person by giving unconditionally, with no expectations, the little things I do can enlighten another person and a simple thing like a smile can brighten up another person's day," said participant Grace Chong, who was in charge of the entertainment for the event. "Teamwork is important to get things moving and acknowledging others will keep them going all the way. I also learnt that supporting people creates trust and a tight bond in friendship."

AsiaWorks is continually looking for ways to contribute to the local community so that people can learn and grow through service to others. The AsiaWorks Basic Training, Advanced Course and Leadership Programme are offered to the general public on a monthly basis in cities throughout Asia .

The Orang Asli with the participants of LP88, other AsiaWorks leadership programme graduates, family and friends outside the Pusat Bacaan