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Annual Report 2015

dignity for children foundation

annual report 2015

ContentsMessage from the Chairman1

Message from the Executive Director2

Our history

About Us

3

4-5

Our Stories6-7

Events highlights8-21

Our programmes in 201422-40

Our Projects41-43

The Team44-46

Our Future47-48

Audited Report

Sponsors & contributors

49-50

51

together we can break the cycle of poverty


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Dear Friends, As I sit here pensively looking back at 2015, I am amazed at the tremendous journey that has added colours to our tapestry of the past 17 years. Our journey is a journey of thousands of children believing, desiring, and reaching out to take hold of a secure future through education to break the cycle of poverty for themselves and their family. Like any other year, it has been a year of challenges and rewards, joy and heartaches, but above all it has truly been a year of seeing the work mature and flourish. As we celebrate the end of another incredible year, I find myself thankful; thankful to our steadfast God, whose unwavering goodness and faithfulness have brought us thus far, to things that we would have never imagined possible, and thankful to everyone who has come alongside us and shared in this journey: colleagues, volunteers, donors, friends, and family. It is only through retrospective reflection that I am truly able to see how far God has carried us and I am left in reverent awe; starting with just 20 children in 1998, we received an enrolment of over a thousand children in 2015, with the highest percentage of returning students in the past four years. Although we experienced a dropout rate of 23%, it is a decrease from the previous year and is mostly due to the resettlement of students. Now operating from 32 floor, over 8 blocks, the team has grown to 70 staff and volunteers.

I am reminded that our work is ever growing; with the launch of Project B and Dignity’s Urban Garden it has been a year of new beginnings. 2015 further saw the first batch of students graduate from the Skills Training and Education Program (STEP). STEP is the implementation of a more holistic teaching method; where in addition to their academic classes, students undergo training in different skill areas: hairdressing, food and beverage, carpentry, sewing, and gardening.

It was also a year when the Global Ambassadors Network was launched to raise Dignity’s profile and support internationally. The Ambassadors are comprised of supporters, friends, past volunteers and our alumni who had moved on.

This year was also our tenth year of organising the Faisal Cup; a football and netball tournament that signifies the freedom and equal opportunities for many underprivileged children in creating a safe and secure environment for them to play. We strongly believe that sports and education can and must go hand-in-hand for the development of a child. 2015 saw 125 teams, over 925 children, from Dignity and 26 learning centres come together to take part in the tournament. This year, we have had the privilege of participating in a Manchester City Foundation project of transforming youth through football. Through this, we have started the LEAD football project; which engages out-of-school children and have brought them in to learn about basic health, hygiene, leadership, literacy, and numeracy.

Message from the Chairman

Our journey has often times proven challenging but I am reminded of why we do what we do. Globally, millions of children are still being denied the right to education and little progress has been made to keep the rest in schools. Most of these children are from the poorest families in their local communities, and a large percentage are girls. We must respond with a sense of urgency and quality education is the answer for these children. So I thank you for all your support and invite you to continue on this journey with us.

Blessings,Your Sincerely,

Rev. Elisha Satvinder

I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture of their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.

“- Martin Luther King, Jr. 1964”


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When we ushered in the New Year, my daughter turned to me and said, “Mummy, this is going to be a good year”. Looking back, I see how that statement was foreshadowing all that was to come. 2015 had been a year of countless milestones and the joyful celebration of many events. The dawn of the year saw a team travel all the way to Kelantan to donate school supplies to the flood victims. 2015 brought with it a complete renovation of the auditorium, we celebrated alongside the third batch of students completing their IGCSE examinations and ended with a bang with President Barack Obama’s visit.

It was additionally a time of new beginnings of dreams realised, we saw the launch of Project B, a social enterprise in collaboration with Berjaya Cares Foundation and the BIG Group of companies. 35 students graduated from the newly implemented STEP program and we saw Dignity’s Urban Garden spring to life. Looking back, I am speechless and am left wondering how we managed to find the strength to have done all that we did. The dedication and perseverance of our team along with the generous help of many donors, volunteers, and friends made it all possible. Here’s to many more fruitful years such as this.

Section One: The Founders

Message from the Executive Director

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Petrina Satvinder

- Martin Luther King, Jr.


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As she drove through the squatter area near the local Sentul market, Petrina Satvinder saw two skinny children struggling to carry a bucket of water back home. With downtown Kuala Lumpur and the majestic Petronas Towers looming in the background, it was almost an absurd sight.

These two children were school dropped outs, as Petrina later found out. They would have likely continued in poverty for the rest of their lives – and there were many more youngsters like them in Sentul.

So the work of Rev. Elisha and Petrina Satvinder began in 1998. First as a community outreach through the New Covenant Community church, they provided counseling, basic home improvement services, groceries distributions and medical check-ups. They also raised support for school supplies and assisted some people with job placements.

Before long, it was evident that trying to meet immediate needs was like trying to plug a bucket full of holes with two fingers – it was a stop-gap measure. Believing that quality education, particularly at a child’s early years, was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty the Satvinders narrowed down on providing quality education. Their simple tuition classes for approximately 40 students was soon spilling over with children.

In 2003, Rev. Eu Hong Seng generously donated the Harvest Centre Berhad company to the Satvinders’ growing social efforts. In 2004, the first Montessori Preschool for the underprivileged welcomed in 30 students. Since then, Harvest Centre has expanded to offer primary and secondary programmes.

In October 2008, Dignity for Children Foundation, a company foundation with tax-exempt status was generously donated by Dato Stanley Isaacs and Peter Ling towards the work of Harvest Centre. By 2010, all education programmes were transferred over to Dignity for Children Foundation.

Today, Dignity serves well over 900 students from various backgrounds and has seen many children from early childhood,through to secondary school and beyond.

Dignity has served more than 3,000 children since 1998. We have also trained over 2,000 community teachers and have seen our staff body expand, from just five full time staff to now 70. With the increase of our facilities, where we started off with just three floors we now occupy 32 floors.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” - Lao Tzu

Section 2: The Organisation

Our History


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our visionto empower poor children to break the cycle of povertythrough qualityeducation to impact generations.our mission

to establish high-quality, under-one-roof community learning centres for the poor.

‘About us’Dignity for Children Foundation holds to this belief: That each child is special, and that each and every one should have an equal opportunity to access quality education. To be loved and cared for, to be able to play freely, and to be able to learn are all key children’s rights. These rights are enshrined in the United Nations Children’s Rights Convention (UNCRC), which Malaysia has signed.

We strive to serve underprivileged children, ‘the least of these’. How do we do this? By establishing and ensuring a warm, safe environment that provides care, love and opportunities to play and learn for our students.


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1. Child directed learning

our education philosophy

2. Intrinsic Motivation

3. Teachers as directors and supporters

4. A holistic learning environment

5. Community of learners

We create an environment where children are respected and their participation is highly valued. We promote child-centred learning for younger children along with group and peer coaching for older children.

We value and do our best to cultivate intrinsic motivation. We do not practise the use of rewards and punishments as they can hinder the natural path of learning and the development of intrinsic motivation.

Our teaching is directed at letting the children take a step forward to assume control over their own learning while the teacher takes a step back to let go of any form of control or dominance.

We create a holistic environment that awakens and develops the children’s intellectual faculties and deepens their overall sense of responsibility towards being good and responsible members of society.

We believe that effective learning takes place in communitiy and therefore we value cooperative learning over competitive learning.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”

- Theodore Roosevelt

Our Core Values

1. We are to LOVE, SERVE AND EDUCATE the children,

2. by being HIGHLY PASSIONATE,

3. diligently PURSUING EXCELLENCE,

4. with the HIGHEST OF INTEGRITY,

5. because we are put in this position of STEWARDSHIP by God.


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Our storiesInterview with Go Soon

My name is Go Soon. I am from Seremban and have been studying in Dignity since 2013. My mother is Indonesian and my father is Malaysian. I was born in Malaysia but I could not get an IC because my father’s name is not stated in my birth certificate.

At the age of 5, I went missing without any documents. I was sent to an orphanage not knowing where my parents were. Having missed school for a few years, I struggled to catch up with the syllabus in astate school.

In 2007, my mother found out from the newspaper that I was staying in the orphanage. Since then, I started living with her again. After completing UPSR, I could not proceed to secondary school because I did not have an IC.

I could barely speak English when I first came to Dignity. Thanks to the dedicated teachers, who taught me selflessly, I have improved tremendously.

I have always dreamed to become a chef. My goal is to open a restaurant and train the underprivileged who share the same passion as I do. Through a Dignity supporter, I have received a scholarship to study Diploma in Culinary Arts in KDU University College.

Over the years, I have been given so many opportunities in Dignity. Dignity has changed my life and given me hope to chase after my dreams. The only way I can give back is to use my knowledge to influence more people and make Dignity proud.

Go SoonClass of 2015


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Hi, my name is Sara. I grew up a very timid child and was not very good academically. As a family, we moved to Malaysia in 2009 but didn’t have enough money to afford school and therefore I was out of school of about a year. A friend found a school for my brother and I to attend, but unfortunately we found it very difficult to make any friends as we could not speak any English or Bahasa Malaysia.

In 2011, we found Dignity and I was amazed with what I saw. People from different nationalities and backgrounds were mingling and I felt so accepted. I was able to improve my English and Bahasa Malaysia, and also learned to play football and netball. I was so surprised to hear that there is football for girls here.

In 2015, I failed mathematics in the 2nd term and got extremely worried as I had to sit for the IGCSE exams in the same year. However, with all my efforts and my dedicated teachers, I got an A* in my finals and today I assist in teaching mathematics to the Foundation 2 class in Dignity and also help to coach a girls’ football team and a netball team.

Interview with Sara

SarahClass of 2015


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Section 3: What happened in 2015

3.1Event highlights


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Lower Secondary’s Special Speakers at Weekly Assembly (Feb-Jun)One of our programmes in Lower Secondary Department is to engage inspirational speakers to share about their life story of success. A total of 11 speakers from different fields were invited throughout the year.

Staff OrientationThe theme of the year “Going the Extra Mile” was announced to all staff during the staff orientation. All existing and new staff, together with interns and volunteers, revisited the history, vision and mission of Dignity. Then topics such as work ethics, our education philosophy, introduction to the Montessori philosophy, child protection policy and procedures were introduced to all participants.

Book Donation by People GivingA group from People Giving donated a mini library to the Lower Secondary department. The books included fiction, non-fiction, references, dictionaries and workbooks. The library is also equipped with laptops donated by Acer.

Lower Primary’s first Parents Workshop On the 13th of February, the Lower Primary Department organised their first parents’ workshop, with a total of 83 parents and 27 students. The workshop was conducted in three languages: English, Bahasa Malaysia and Myanmar. Here the parents learned about the role of adults in supporting their child’s development and learning at home.

Parents and students’ orientationParents were invited for an orientation with the teachers in their respective departments. Topics covered in the orientation included children’s discipline, code of conducts of the school, and parent-student-teacher partnership.

Students were then welcomed back to school. They received orientation from their class teachers on the rules and regulations, processes and procedures. Students were given a pre-assessment test to help the teachers gauge their levels prior to the start of the academic year.

Preschool’s Parents WorkshopThe Preschool had their first parents workshop on the 31st of January. A total of 45 parents participated in the three sessions. The programmes included our teaching method using the Montessori philosophy and the rules and regulations of the classroom. The parents interacted with our teachers and provided feedback.

IMU Pre-Chinese New Year celebrationOn the 30th of January, 40 students from IMU held a pre-Chinese New Year celebration with the Pre-schoolers with fun activities. singing and goodies.

Berjaya Youth & Roots and Shoots present “Reason for Hope” talk by Dr Jane GoodallTen students from the Upper Secondary department, together with ten students from the Lower Secondary department were given the opportunity to attend an inspiring talk by Dr. Jane Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace.

January February


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Toddler’s first field trip On 27th March, 18 Toddlers went on field Trip at Giant Bubbles Putra Jaya with HELP university volunteers.

Tree Top FutsalTen students between the ages six and eight were invited to join the Futsal Competition co-organised by Tree Top and Dignity. Our students had lots of fun throughout the football clinic and friendly matches.

Upper Secondary’s Talent Show The Form 5 students were tasked with organising and coordinating the whole event; teachers served as judges and consultants only. The students participated in various performances ranging from the simplest song, to complex dances.

Preschool’s first field trip to Zoo NegaraOn 24th April, we had the first term field trip to Zoo Negara. 97 students participated in the event. The children saw the animals up close and had an outdoor learning experience.

Lower Primary’s first field trip to the Planetarium In line with the Lower Primary’s first theme of the school year: Planets, 90 students and 9 teachers visited the Planetarium on the 29th and 30th. The students explored with machines and got a glimpse of an astronaut’s experience and job in the spaceship replica. They also enjoyed the anti-gravity game, as well as the Astronaut and Perfect Little Planet shows.

Teacher’s trainingThe first training for 2015 was held over 6 days; from the 16th to the 21st of March. Teachers from the Toddler, Preschool and Primary departments participated. The training focused primarily on the materials presentation of Numeracy/Mathematics, Literacy/English Science/Culture, classroom management and play workshop.

Lower Secondary: Talk ShowThe talk show, organized on the 4th of March, saw the students presenting on the varying aspect of a “the effects of social media”. Through roleplays of hosts and panelists, the students had the chance to share their views. This was part of the“Effective Communication Skills” programme.

Lower Secondary’ first field trip to FRIM On the 27th, the Lower Secondary Department had their first outing to FRIM. The teachers and students went hiking with seven rangers, where they were introduced to different species of plants and insects.

Upper Secondary: Turbo-Charged Learning Seminar with Webster KuThe seminar taught the students effective strategies that will allow them to improve their grades in schools, regardless of their current performance. At the session students were amazed they could memorize twenty unconnected words at such a rapid pace.

March

April

visit to Stories.my by Integricity12 of our students had the opportunity to visit a photo studio where they had their portrait shots taken pro-bono! The visit started with a tour of the studio. Then students were given a talk on “A Career in Wedding and Portrait Photography Industry”. The students who were considering a career in photography learnt the challenges of a career in photography.

visit to Berjaya University College of Hospitality25 students took part in a tour of Berjaya University College of Hospitality facilities conducted by faculty members. The tour ended with them participating in a cooking demo with a chef.

Jumpstart Turbo Charge Learning WorkshopThis was the second session to the Turbo-Charge Learning Seminar. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Chan Teck Keng of Light House learning group, and his associate Mr. Webster Ku. To cover topics such as The Master Formula, Speed Reading, Note Making (Mymaps), Super memory,


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Staff RetreatHeld at Methodist Center in Port Dickson with the theme: ‘Going the Extra Mile’. Some Dignity’s trustees came to address the staff on a range of topics. The staff participated in discussions, skits and had a good time.

Tottenham vs Malaysia Tournament40 students involved with Faisal Cup watched the match live at Stadium Shah Alam, Selangor. They experienced the excitement of a real live game.

Lower Primary’s second Parents Workshop 65 parents and 25 students participated in the workshop, which was conducted in three different language groups. During this workshop, teachers and parents discussed about pros and cons of electronic gadgets in children development and the extension of activities in academic subjects that parents can work on with their children at home.

Teachers’ trainingOur in-house teachers’ training was held from the 1st to the 5th of June for all teachers from the Early Childhood Programme and Lower Primary department to be upskilled in the Montessori philosophy and classroom management.

Launching of STEP ProgramIn June, the new Skills and Training Education Program was rolled out with approximately 30 students enrolling in Food & Beverage in our new Project B cafe, hair dressing, sewing as well as Early Childhood Education. This programme runs in parallel to the classroom academic studies.

May June

IMU donates 10 desktops to USAs part of the continuing partnership between IMU and Dignity, Dignity received 10 desktops for use in the classrooms.


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Toddler’s first medical checkup Two medical students volunteers from the US carried out medical check-ups for the toddlers that included physical assessment, measuring their height and weight.

Upper Secondary: Free tickets to Illuminations, a Young KL Singers performance, at KLPACThe Upper Secondary students had the privilege of being invited to watch a choir performance at KLPAC by the Young KL Singers.

Toddlers field trip20 students went down to the main fire station at Hang Tuah for a field trip. The toddlers had the amazing opportunity to wear fire fighter suits and ride in a fire truck.

Parents workshop The second term’s Parent Teachers Workshop was conducted by HELP students. Toddlers and Preschool teachers joined them to have a better understanding of Mental Health and learned to look out for various signs and symptoms in children who would need special attention.

Dental Care for ToddlersAs part of the dental care programme, 25 Toddlers were taught how to brush their teeth as part of a daily oral hygiene care.

Southeast Asia teachers’ trainingThe South East Asia Teachers’ Training 2017 was conducted from the 27th of August to the 4th of September. We had a total of 23 participants from Myanmar, Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia in this annual regional training programme hosted by Dignity.

10th Faisal CupThe 10th Anniversary tournament was held over four weekends, with the kick off taking place on the 1st of August and the final on the 22nd of August at the SMK Raja Ali field. This year saw 26 learning centres participating, and a total of 925 players and 125 teams.

August

New furniture donated by Manulife to Toddler’s Program The Toddler’s programme facility was refurbished on the 26th of July. The furniture was generously donated by Manulife.

JulyPippi Longstocking StorytellingOn the July 16, Dignity was invited by the Swedish Embassy to celebrate the 70th year of Pippi Longstocking, a famous Swedish storybook character. Five Lower Primary students made a debut appearence and performed a theatre play at Book Fest that was held in the KL Convention Centre.

Preschool and Lower Primary Combined School Observation Trip 6th of July, the Preschool and Lower Primary departments teachers visited the Country Heights Montessori School. They observed how the children learn in a mix age group classroom.

Setting up of the Dignity Kitchen Garden The Dignity Kitchen Garden was set up with the aim of training students in the skill of urban farming. It was set up with the help of Seksan Design as well as Eats, Shoots and Roots. Close to 100 volunteers gathered to take part in the initial setup of this garden.


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Upper Secondary: Web Design Training12 students were selected to be part of a Web Design course. They were trained over a course of 3 months and graduated on the 8th September 2015. They learnt the basics of setting up a website through a WordPress template as well as web hosting, search engine optimisation and etc.

September October

Outing to Sakae SushiOn 20 & 21 October, 470 students visited the Sakae Sushi in Berjaya Times Square. It was a new experience as most of the students have not seen, let alone eat, sushi before. They were given the opportunity to make and eat their own sushi.

Cultural Performance Day The Lower Primary students had the chance to showcase their talents during the Cultural Performance Day on the 28th of October. The performances included songs, poetry, skits, traditional dances and Dikir Barat (traditional Malay performance). It was a great time for them to learn and celebrate the different cultures.

Aquaria Visit The toddlers visited Aquaria KLCC, hosted by the Cavalry Church. This was a special trip as five parents were invited to come along.

Lower Primary Parents WorkshopOn the 18th, the Lower Primary Department organised their first parents’ workshop, with a total of 54 parents. The workshop was conducted n 4 different languages. During this workshop, teachers and parents discussed topics such as nutrition, safety and activities that the children can do during the school holidays.


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November DecemberYear-end celebrations

Lower PrimaryEnded its year with the award ceremony on 20th November, 9 types of awards were given to celebrate 59 students’ milestone that they have achieved.

PreschoolOn 27th November, we had preschool graduation day.220 students and parents attended the ceremony. The event included performances such as singing, dance and drama. 20 students received special awards.

Toddler27 students received awards for finishing and 22 students completed their year three program and moved in to preschool.

Upper PrimaryThe Upper Primary Graduation was held on the 5th of November at Titiwangsa Lake Garden, and saw a total of 41 students graduate. We had guests of honour from UNHCR, Taylor’s College and Ekovest Berhad. 300 parents also joined in the celebration.

Lower Secondary The Lower Secondary department had a Year-End Celebration on the 6th of November, where representatives from UNHCR and HELP International School were among the invited guests. The students also showcased their talent with song and dances.

Christmas Carolling Throughout the month of December, a team of carollers which comprised of teachers and students, sang in Publika Shopping Centre to raise awareness for Dignity and raised funds. The “Love Came Down” album and other traditional carols were performed.


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President Obama’s visitOn the 21st of November, the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, visited Dignity. He interacted with ten Lower Primary students who were working with English, Science, Maths and Arts materials in a classroom; and took an interest to converse with each child individually and understand the work they were doing.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza



Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson


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Section 4

Our Programmes


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Chart 1: Enrolment of students by programme in 2015.

The total number of student intake in 2015 was 1055. Montessori Lower Primary had the highest number (27%) of enrolment, followed by Upper Primary (22%), Lower Secondary (19%), Montessori Preschool (18%), Upper Secondary (11%), and Montessori Toddler Stimulation (3%). Student intake was similar to that in 2014 which was 1056 students.

Graph 1: Comparison of students who completed academic year (2013-2015)

646 students (61%) completed their studies in 2014 and remained in Dignity in 2015. This is a 14% drop as compared to the 75% student’s retention in 2014. 409 students (39%) are new students. Out of the total enrolment of 1055 students, 488 (46%) were females while 567 (54%) were males.

1.0 An Overview of 2015

Montessori Toddler Stimulation

Montessori Preschool

Montessori Lower Primary

Upper Primary

Lower Secondary

Upper Secondary

Enrolment of Students by Department in 2015

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Total completions

2013 2014 2015

No. of children who completed the academic year (2013 - 2015)


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Graph 3: No. of children completing the academic year by programme (2011 – 2014)

Across the four years, the primary department had consistently the highest number of students.

Except for the Upper Primary and Accelerated Learning Class, all the other programmes showed an increase in number of students completing the 2014 academic year.

No. of children who completed the academic year by programme (2011 - 2014)

0

50

100

150

200

250

2011 2012 2013 2014

Montessori Toddler

Stimulation

MontessoriPreschool

MontessoriLower

Primary

Upper Primary

ALC Vocational Lower Secondary

Upper Secondary


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Early Childhood Education Programme (ECE)

There are two sub-programmes under ECE: Montessori Toddler Stimulation Programme (TSP) and Montessori Preschool Programme (MPP).

TSP serves toddlers between 2 – 4 years old but students who were 1 and 5 years old were also enrolled in 2015. This programme aims to develop toddlers’ independence using the Montessori method. The classroom is equipped with interactive materials to stimulate children’s gross and fine motor skills, early literacy, arithmetic, and artistic skills.

2.0 Early Childhood Education Programmes


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Graph 5: Comparison of Intake vs Completion in Montessori Toddler Stimulation Education programme from 2013 to 2015.

The intake of students in this programme decreased 24% as compared to 2014. This could be due to the lack of awareness in the community in not understanding the importance of starting their child’s education early.

Graph 4: Breakdown of Montessori Toddler Stimulation Programme (MTP)

This programme aims to develop children’s independence and is specifically dedicated to toddlers between 2 – 4 years old. The Classroom is equipped with Montessori learning materials to stimulate a child’s gross and fine motor skills, refine senses, and build a strong foundation in early literacy, arithmetic, and arts.

2.1 Montessori Toddler Stimulation Programme

Montessori Toddler Stimulation Programme

37

8 (22%)

29 (78%)

Intake :

Non Completions :

Completions :78%

22%

MTP - Comparison over the years (2013 - 2015)

Enrolment Completions

2011

2012

2013

0

10

20

30

40

50

60


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Graph 6: Breakdown of Montessori Preschool Programme (MPP)

This programme serves children between 5-6 years old, with the aim to equip socially well adjusted children with strong mastery in literacy and arithmetic skills. Montessori materials assist the children in the holistic learning environment. Children learned subjects like Mathematics, Language, Knowledge of the World, Sensorial, and Practical Life.

2.2 Montessori Preschool Programme

Montessori Preschool Programme

186

38 (20%)

148 (80%)

Intake :

Non Completions :

Completions :80%

20%


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Graph 7: MPP – Comparison over the years (2013 – 2015)

The intake of students had increased by 18% as compared to 2014. The number of students who had completed their studies had also increased. The number of enrolment and completion showed a steady growth since 2013.

MPP - Comparison over the years (2013 - 2015)

0

50

100

150

200

2013

2014

2015


3.0 Primary Programme


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Graph 9: LPP - Comparison over the years (2013-2015)

The intake of students had increased by 3% as compared to 2014. The number of students who had completed their studies had also increased. The number of enrolment and completion had been stable.

Graph 8: Breakdown of Montessori Lower Primary Programme (LPP)

This programme serves children between 7-9 years old, with the aim of using the Malaysian academic syllabus as the curriculum to develop a literate and socially well-adjusted child. In 2015 there were 6 classes. Students learned subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Bahasa Malaysia and went on field trips.

3.1 Montessori Lower Primary Programme

Montessori Lower Primary Programme

288

55 (19%)

233(81%)

Intake :

Non Completions :

Completions :

LPP - Comparison over the years (2013 - 2015)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2013

2014

2015


81%

19%


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Graph 10: Breakdown of Montessori Upper Primary Programme (UPP)

This programme serves children between 10-12 years old, with the aim of preparing students to sit for a final assessment equivalent to the UPSR standards. There were a total of 6 classes, 3 in the morning from 8am to 12pm and other 3 in the afternoon from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Students were developed to express themselves by focusing on areas such as drama and arts.

3.2 Montessori Upper Primary Programme

Montessori Upper Primary Programme

227

58 (26%)

169 (74%)

Intake :

Non Completions :

Completions :74%

26%


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The Foundation Programme was introduced in 2015 in place of the previous Accelerated Learning Class (ALC). The changes made to this programme’s structure was to help improve the students’ achievement . There were two classes that make up this programme : Foundation 1 and Foundation 2. These two classes made up the Lower Secondary department which is separate from the Upper Secondary department which consisted of forms 3, 4 and 5.

The Foundation classes are of mixed-age students where peer mentoring can be best practised. Foundation 1 students are between the ages 13-14 years old, while Foundation 2 students are between 15-16 years old. Students with delayed learning are able to spend time with other students of different ages who had progressed further.

The secondary programme prepares students for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) from Cambridge. This includes subjects such as English, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), Mathematics, as well as other arts subjects (Business Studies and Accounts).

The Skills Training & Education Programme (STEP) was also introduced. This program began in May 2015 with the objective of providing sustainable opportunities for underprivileged students. STEP program involves skills training of 2 or 3 days weekly, followed by academic classes and personal development.

4.0 Secondary Education Programme


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Graph 15: Breakdown of Lower Secondary Programme

This programme serves children between 13-16 years old, with the aim of preparing students to enter the Upper Secondary programme and eventually sit for the Cambridge IGCSE. Students participated in sport activities and field trips. Prominent speakers were invited to give motivational speeches to the Lower Secondary students throughout the year. This helped expose them to different career pathways.

Graph 16: Lower Secondary – Comparison over the years (2012 - 2014)

The lower secondary department saw a 71% increment in the number of enrolment in 2015 compared to 2013 and 2014.

4.1 Lower Secondary Programme

Lower Secondary Programme

205

67 (33%)

138 (67%)

Intake :

Non Completions :

Completions :67%

33%

Lower Secondary - Comparison over the years (2013 - 2015)

0

50

100

150

200

250

2013

2014

2015



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Graph 20: Upper Secondary – Comparison over the years (2013 - 2015)

The enrolment of Upper Secondary students saw a 50% decrease in 2015. Out of the 25 students who completed, 14 students sat for IGCSE in October 2015.

Graph 19: Breakdown of Upper Secondary Programme

Students aged 16 years and above were in this programme and were prepared to complete their secondary education and move into tertiary education or employment. Students sat for a minimum of 3 IGCSE subjects.

4.2 Upper Secondary Programme

Upper Secondary Programme

44

19 (43%)

25(57%)

Intake :

Non Completions :

Completions :

57% 43%

Upper Secondary - Comparison over the years (2013 - 2015)

0

20

40

60

80

100

2013

2014

2015



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In May 2015, STEP was incorporated with the Upper Secondary programme with the aim of equipping students with important soft skills such as communication and negotiation skills. Students attended both academic lessons as well as skills training two days a week. They were also given the opportunity to attend workshops and field trips. A total of 35 students completed the 6-month training programme. Thus far, the programme includes:• sewing• woodwork• food and beverage/hospitality• hairdressing• urban gardening

There was also a small group of urban gardeners who tended to the Dignity garden patch by the side of the new trasnformational enterprise, Project B.

Graph 22: Vocational Programme

English as a second Language was the subject sat by most students, followed by Mathematics. The subject with the best results was Mathematics. Most of the students achieved between A’s and B’s. Our best student scored all A’s in the five subjects she took.

Results

A* 4

2

1

2

2

4

1

2 1

3

2

1

2

3

3

4

2

1

1

9

1

2

1

11

10 9 8 7 12 6 13

2

7

A

B

C

D

E

Total students who sat for the exam

Mathematics (w/out

Coursework)Biology Chemistry Physics

English as

Second Language

AccountingBusiness Studies

4.3 Skills Training & Education Programme (STEP)

Skills Training & Education Programme (STEP)

Hairdressing Completions Sewing Project B

0

5

10

15

20


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In the Early Childhood Education Programme, children were regularly monitored once every 3 months for their height, weight, and general health. Toddler and pre-school teachers constantly conducted health screening by checking the students’ fingernails, skin, and hair for lice treatment.

Besides that, volunteers with a medical background also provided health checkups for the children. These health checkups usually include body, eye, and dental check-up. Students from International Medical University (IMU) had volunteered throughout the year to run health workshops and dental screenings for Secondary students.

5.0 Additional Programmes

5.1 Hygiene and Health Care


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In 2015, a total of 503 students used the bus service provided by Dignity. The number of students taking the bus in 2015 increased to 48%, which was an increase from 390 students (37%) in 2014.

With the support of UNHCR, Dignity provided 10 bus routes to and from Sentul. These included Cheras 1, Cheras 2, Damansara, Kepong, Selayang, and Setapak. Transport services ensured that students travelled safely to school and back home. This also allowed students who live faraway to access education.

5.2 Transportation


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Physical exercise is essential for children’s holistic development as it helps to strengthen their body and mind. All classes conducted physical education at least 2 hours a week. Toddler and pre-school students go to a nearby playground for their PE lesson. Primary and Secondary students walk to the nearest field for their PE lessons. PE lessons involved games like football, netball, badminton, and basketball. Students also attend trainings led by teachers and prepare for the annual football event, Faisal Cup.

Faisal Cup provides students with an opportunity to compete against each other in football and in netball for the girls. In 2015, 125 teams(920 students) from the Klang Valley area took part in Faisal Cup.

5.3 Physical Education


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Children from underprivileged background usually are malnourished. Therefore, Dignity places a great importance on providing nutritious meals to the students.

Students in Toddlers, Preschool and Lower Primary receive free breakfast, lunch and a snack every day. Older students are able to purchase meals priced at RM1 in the school subsidised canteen.

5.4 Food


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The mental health programme at Dignity was established in 2011, with the objective of providing a holistic environment for children, especially to those who need extra emotional and mental support. This service is also available to the staff.

The mental health unit, is equipped with play therapy materials such as toys, musical instruments, and art materials. Currently, there are 3 counselling rooms, 1 report room, and 1 play therapy room in the unit. Master in Counselling students from HELP University offer their counselling service as interns. Apart from counselling, Dignity also arranges for students’ psychological assessments in Clinical Psychology and Counselling Service centre (CPCS) in HELP University 3-4 times a year. Assessments and observations were done for students with psychological issues such as learning difficulty.

5.5 Mental Health Programme


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Graph 24: Mental Health Unit clientele by departments (2013 - 2015)

The total number of students and staff who received counselling in 2015 was 36. This number increased from 32 in 2014.

Empower-a-Child (EAC) is a child sponsorship programme in which donations are pooled to provide underpriviledged children with:• Continuous education• Nutritious meals• Health, hygiene, and medical care• Student leadership and character development• Education experiences beyond classroom• Sports and physical development• Vocational development• Welfare support

As of December 2015, 174 students were supported by EAC programme to continue their education.

5.6 Empower-a-Child Programme

Mental Health Unit Clientele by department (2013-2015)

2012 2013 2014

Others (Sta� & etc)

Lower Primary

Upper Primary

Secondary

0 5 10 15 20


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The 2015, the Teachers Training Program was held from the 23rd till the 27th of November in Sibu with an introduction to the Montessori method for toddler and preschool teachers. It was also a refresher course to the teachers who had previously gone through Dignity’s in house Montessori training program. The training encompassed Montessori Philosophy, Practical Life, Sensorial, Literacy, Numeracy and Child Development.

5.7 Teacher’s Training

Section 5: Our Projects

This year was Faisal Cup Tournament’s 10th anniversary. The games spanned over four weekends, with participating 125 teams from 26 different learning centres come together in the spirit of camaraderie. Many were involved to make it the successful and meaningful event that it was; our main donors included UNHCR, Asian Football Development Project (AFDP) and World Vision. After 10 years, our under-16 boys football team did us proud by bringing home the trophy.

5.8 Faisal Cup


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Skills Training and Education Program was introduced as holistic method of education that involved both academic rigor and also the work of the hands. It shapes character and gives students a chance to interact with the real world, and prepare them to face the challenges of the workplace. In June, the first batch of students were placed into various classes. There are four main classes: carpentry, sewing, food and beverage, haircutting. A small group of “urban gardeners” tended to the Dignity Garden patch. A total of 36 students from Upper Secondary completed a training period of 6 months. Two of our dedicated volunteers, James Hyland and Lex Low ran the carpentry and haircutting classes respectively. The award for Best STEP student went to Lim Go Soon.

STEP


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Project B is a training cafe created by Dignity for Children Foundation, in collaboration with the BIG Group of Companies and Berjaya Cares Foundation. It supports the children by providing work experience opportunities to learn and develop their career in F&B. By providing on-the-job training, the children receive great work experience opportunities that provides more employability to break the cycle of poverty. A total of 25 students were trained under Project B.

project B


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My name is Norman and I have been with Dignity for 11 years. I first joined Dignity in 2005 as a teacher when I taught mainly mathematics. Teaching was such a joyful experience as I got to see my students grow and develop. The most important aspect was seeing their character develop from a timid child to a confident young adult. For me, there was no greater joy than knowing that these students had benefited from what has been taught. After 6 years of teaching, I decided to move on and join the corporate world. Whilst working in an office, I realized that my heart was still at Dignity that made me want to come back. There were so many wonderful memories with the children at Dignity that drew me back. Dignity, was not just a workplace, it was family. We created fond memories together. Finally, after two years in the corporate field, I joined the Fundraising team at Dignity. I must say fundraising is not easy. The numerous rejections I have encountered have taught me a very valuable lesson, especially in perseverance. I am blessed to have wonderful colleagues to work with who are constantly supportive and motivating. I am still learning a lot from my supervisor, who has taught me to believe in myself and not to give up. Working in Dignity is truly an inspiring journey for me, especially the people I meet, the stories and testimonies I hear, the families we get to help, the children that we empower. There is nothing more satisfying than this.

Norman

Amy

Lex

My name is Amy Jaraning and I come from Tawau, Sabah. I joined Dignity in July 2011 to teach Bahasa Malaysia. As the students were from all over the world, the language barrier proved to be a huge challenge. I have come to love my profession and it gives me great satisfaction to be able to educate the students, along with giving them advice, especially those who come from poor family backgrounds.

I look forward to the yearly teachers training camp as it is a learning opportunity as well as a time to exchange ideas with the teachers from other community schools; I am constantly looking to make my lessons more dynamic and interesting. I would like to thank Dignity for the amazing opportunity. I would also like to thank everybody around me for all the encouragement and support.

Volunteering at Dignity for the past three years has truly been an exciting journey; just starting in a little classroom to now a hair academy of its own. It excites me to see the children learning the art of hairdressing, from having zero knowledge to confidently creating hairstyles. What kept me going were stories like my students who were resettled oversea that continued to make a living out of their learnt skill. It wasn’t an easy path to commit two days a week to teaching as I was building my personal business simultaneously too; both took a lot from me. However, it has been three wonderful years and it still excites me to continue volunteering and to see my business constantly grow.

VOLUNTEER

Section 6: The team


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The team


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Staff Vision Week85 Dignity staff went away to the Methodist Centre in Port Dickson from the 17th till the 20th of May for our annual Staff Vision Week. This year’s theme was “Built to Excel” and it was a great time for all the different departments to come together to revisit our vision and to plan for the future. In addition to having a positive time of team building, it was a marvellous opportunity for everyone to recuperate and rejuvenate.


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The harshness of the urban lifestyle often leaves urban poor youth so beaten in life that they resort to negative behaviour for survival. Due to their lack of education and marketable skills, the urban poor are trapped in the cycle of poverty handed down by previous generations. For some, an alternative form of education is needed to restore inner peace and order.

The Farmhouse Learning Community (FLC) is a safe place away from the family and the harshness of the lifestyle of the urban poor. Through the therapeutic education gained from working on a farm, adolescents are given the opportunity of rebuilding their lives, academically, physically, emotionally and socially and can develop a true sense of self-confidence for the very first time.

The FLC becomes a small community where youth can learn & develop a deep sense of purpose, identity and responsibility. Here, adolescents will continue to develop through a continued application of the Montessori philosophy of the “whole child”.

The FLC will conduct various educational programmes including the Malaysian lower secondary curriculum and also in agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental science, hospitality, food sciences, small business management and conflict resolution.

Education at the FLC will require the youth to work hands-on at the farm, to care for and manage a mini-resort on the property and to manage and maintain the community and property.

Farmhouse Learning Community:

Section 7: What the future holds


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The need for holistic education which addresses more than just classroom experience becomes increasingly apparent even in our little community here. We dream at Dignity for Children Foundation of the day when we can develop a one-stop learning centre like no other. Our dream centre is a village. Imagine an entire business park which houses not just education programmes but also shops, restaurants, businesses, community services and other activities-all run by students.

With grocery stores, book stores, printers, advertising companies, bakeries, a theatre, banks and more, this village will be able to provide not just real world working experience for urban youth but services needed by the greater community.

Children and youth, learning, growing and developing a deep sense of community and treasuring their role in making it the best that it can be. This is our dream and we look forward to seeing it fulfilled with you!

Youth Village:


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Donation Received in 2015Section 8: audited report

Projects

Schools, Associations & NGOs

Individual Donors

Corporate Donors

International Agencies

Community Contributions

STEP & Others

Project B

2%

27%

19%

19%

16%

12%

4%

1%


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Expenses incurred in 2015

Projects

25%

Administration

7%

Montessori Toddlers

Programme

3%


6%

Upper Primary Programme

12%

Child Welfare Programme

1%

STEPProgramme

1%

Project B

9%


Programme

11%


14%


11%


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Expenses incurred in 2015

Projects

25%

Administration

7%

Montessori Toddlers

Programme

3%


6%

Upper Primary Programme

12%

Child Welfare Programme

1%

STEPProgramme

1%

Project B

9%


Programme

11%


14%


11%

Sponsors & Contributors

(497

082-

M)

COMPU - COMM HOLDINGS SDN BHD [ computers & communications center]

Tan and Yeoh Properties Sdn Bhd

P O Box 196, Gombak 53700 Kuala Lumpur

[email protected]

tel 603 4044 1397fax 603 4044 1395

www.dignityforchildren.org

7 -2 Jalan 15/48a, Sentul Boulevard 51000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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