My Experience as a Back To School Volunteer

Words by Adam Noor

Pictures by Sheril A. Bustaman

Volunteering has always been central to me. Any opportunity to perform an act of kindness, be it large or small, never fails to excite me. I’ve always been interested in activities that offer the valuable opportunity to help others, and what better way than to do so than by volunteering as an English tutor for PT Foundation’s “Back to School” program. The program, aimed at developing and improving the English competency for children who are affected or infected with HIV provided me with the chance to contribute to the betterment of those in need within our community. More importantly, the program serves as a beneficial activity apart from my normal job as a seriously boring and emotionless corporate drone working from 9 to Godknowswhen on a daily-basis. I’ve always felt the intrinsic need to help out in any way possible for those who need assistance. Besides, I relish the chance to get up on an early Sunday morning for something that serves a greater purpose for our community. Yes, what better way to spend our early Sunday mornings!

I remember the first time arriving for the program’s orientation, after getting lost walking around confusingly around Chow Kit and finally finding this wonderful little place called PT Foundation on the corner of Jalan Ipoh Kecil. I remember being greeted for the first time by Surpreet and Zynie, two of the key people in PT Foundation responsible for the advent of the Program. I also remember getting to know some of the new tutors during the orientation, several of them the nicest people, who would later become some of the closest people in PT Foundation to me who would make the tutoring experience that much more pleasant and fulfilling.

At the volunteer orientation back in January 2015.

 I also remember my first time tutoring English to the students. To be fair, I have limited tutoring experience in English! I was uncertain going into the program as I had no idea what it would be like working with students and making them to fully understand the basics of English. Nonetheless, there’s nothing to deter a person with a genuine intention when it comes to helping others. I propelled myself to be a not-so-bad English teacher for those students. I remember the first time tutoring Arif (not his real name). He was a student who exceeded my expectations with his impressive command of English and the genuine willingness to learn English. Personally, its these sort of students and their positive attitude that makes waking up on an early Sunday morning worthwhile.

Working on reading exercises.

It is hard to imagine that it has been 2 months since I first started my English tutoring at the program in PT Foundation. Although I have the privilege to tutor different students every week, the sensation and the sense of fulfilment that I first experienced during the initial stages of my tutoring has never ceased nor diminished. I anticipate each week with a new sense of excitement and another opportunity to assist the students in discovering and learning new words, phrases, vocabulary, sentences etc. I have to admit it does leave a satisfactory “feel good” sensation as I thoroughly enjoy seeing that even with my limited knowledge and skills, I was able to make a difference in the improvement of the students’ English competency. It does bring a sense of joy knowing that they were able to grasp the basic concepts of the vocabulary after tirelessly teaching them for hours (and even weeks!). But the best reward are always the grateful smiles of the student. In a way, seeing them happy really does make me happy as well. Ah, those adorable, sweet smiles from those students.   

There are many other stories that I could tell you that can convince you of the limitless value of volunteering. But to be honest, I thoroughly enjoy being part of a program which works towards improving things for the betterment of others. Volunteering in PT Foundation has provided me with the opportunities to grow, improve myself and make a difference in someone else’s life as well as my own. I believe it is essential to continue with such initiative and experience and I believe that in return, these activities make me a better person. Ironically, it is tutoring for the students in the program for PT Foundation that taught me lessons that are equally important to those students as it is for me in shaping myself to be a better person. I would attribute volunteerism to leading me to be a better person and I am grateful to PT Foundation for providing me with the valuable chance to serve those around me in need. What I have learned over and over is that giving my time and self returns back tenfold of what I give.

New words and new experiences.

I genuinely believe that in order to be a better person, it is crucial for us to push for more enriching experiences in our lives. I believe that volunteering can be the best teacher for us because as tutors, we are able to be the best teachers for our students in the program. My time as an English tutor had allowed me to get a glimpse of the reality of those from the less-advantage family background and the challenges they face; mainly from the education and financial aspects. My time as a tutor has also made me understand the difficulties faced by many to learn and effectively master the command of English regardless of how many claim the language to be relatively easy to learn (including me previously!). Such experience has given me a completely new perspective on the realities of life and the education system in this country. On a larger scale, I realize that we are all the same and nothing more than a reflection of the human condition in its totality, regardless of our contrasting socioeconomic backgrounds. In essence, I realized something I already knew subconsciously: every individual is equally deserving of help in his or her time of need. 

To get to know more about the Berjaya Back To School Program, please email zynie@ptfmalaysia.org or call 03-4044-4611.

So Long But Not Goodbye

Words & Photographs by Sivalila Balakrishnan

On the 30th of January 2015, PT Foundation bid so long (but not goodbye) to one of the members of the PT family, Sivalila, affectionately known as Leela. This is a short perspective on her time here at PT Foundation. 

Sivalila Balakrishnan

I joined PT Foundation in January 2012. It was my luck that I was chosen and was appointed to work at PT Foundation. This was my first time working in an NGO, as I was working in a corporate line before joining PT Foundation.

On my first day at work, I was given a short briefing by Raymond (who was the Acting Executive Director at the time) for PT Foundation. Raymond introduced himself, and I said, "Nice to meet you sir." and the first thing he told me was, "Please don't call me Sir or boss, just call me Raymond." I was so inspired and shocked, because throughout my working life in corporate, I was so used to addressing my bosses as Sir or boss or MR.XXX. 

The PT Family

I always look down on myself because of my appearance, and at the same time, how people look down at me, thinking that I can't excel due to my personality. I never used to smile at people because I keep thinking that they are looking at me with scrutiny, there was always a feeling that people just don't like the way I am. But after joining PT, I finally feel like I am being myself, being SIVALILA BALAKRISHNAN.

Celebrating my birthday at PT Foundation

 I joined the volunteer team with Jeremy and that was first time I ever challenged myself to face people and talk to people. I got positive feedback. Ever since then, I began to smile and easily mingle with people that easily. My friends and family were shocked to see my changes and they were so happy to see me happy and smiling always.

The IHP team

I would like to thank PT Foundation for accepting me and giving me the chance to work closer with the community. Its not the end of my journey here, I will still volunteer and will always extend great support to PT Foundation.

Pengalaman Pertama: A Perspective Piece by Manis Chen

Words & Photograph by Manis Chen

In November 2014, Manis was referred to a government clinic to receive treatment for some health problems she was facing. Apprehensive of the treatment she would be receiving due to her status as a mak nyah (transgender person), she was pleasantly surprised. The following article is a first-hand account of her experience. 

Manis Chen

Pagi tadi aku ke klinik swasta yang selalu kupergi. Aku menceritakan kepada doktor tentang masalah kesihatanku. Dr Othman merupakan seorang lelaki melayu yang berumur lewat 40an, pada anggaranku. Dia seorang yang peramah, boleh dibawa berbincang dan tidak menunjukkan sebarang rasa kurang senang atau tidak selesa apabila berbual denganku. Ini menyebabkan aku juga menjadi senang untuk terus datang mendapatkan rawatan terhadap apa-apa masalah kesihatan yang aku alami. Dia meminta kebenaran untuk memeriksa kandungan gula dalam darahku kerana aku sememangnya tidak pernah menjalani pemeriksaan kesihatan secara serius.

Setelah jari telunjukku ditembak oleh jarum kecil, doktor memicit kawasan yang ditembak untuk membolehkan darah keluar dari hujung jari yang telah ditembak. Setitik darah itu kemudiannya dicalitkan pada alat bacaan darah yang telah tersedia di atas mejanya.

Dia memberitahuku bacaannya agak tinggi. Dia bertanya dimana aku ingin mendapatkan rawatan selanjutnya. Dia menerangkan komplikasi yang mungkin akan aku alami jika tidak membuat rawatan. Aku memilih untuk meneruskan rawatan di kliniknya. Dia menerangkan yang kosnya mungkin tinggi dan dia tidak mempunyai kelengkapan yang lengkap. Aku agak terkejut dengan kejujuran doktor ini. Rasa hormatnya meningkat terhadapnya. Akhirnya aku mengalah dan meminta dia menyediakan surat rujukan untuk membolehkan aku ke klinik kerajaan seperti yang dicadangkannya.

Aku tiba di klinik kerajaan itu kira-kira setengah jam kemudian. Aku terkejut melihat betapa ramainya orang di dalam klinik berkenaan. Aku tercari-cari kaunter pendaftaran memandangkan itulah kali pertama aku ke situ. Selesai urusan pendaftaran, aku menunggu sebentar untuk diperiksa doktor. Petugas di kaunter pendaftaran memberikan aku nombor giliran bagi rawatan di bilik nombor 3. Sekitar sepuluh minit kemudian aku berjumpa doktor.

Seorang doktor wanita melayu berusia lewat 20an memanggil namaku dan menyuruh aku duduk. Dia bertanyakan apa masalahku. Aku menghulurkan surat rujukan yang kubawa. Dia membaca seketika surat rujukan berkenaan, doktor wanita ini kemudian menyambung dengan beberapa soalan untuk mengetahui tentang masalah kesihatan yang kuhadapi. Kemudian, ketika ingin memeriksa degup nafasku dari arah belakang badan pula, doktor itu dengan sopan menyuruh aku menyelakkan kesemua rambutku ke depan. Selesai pemeriksaan doktor dia menyuruh aku ke kaunter saringan untuk menimbang berat badan dan untuk mendapatkan kiraan BP serta BMI. Doktor juga menyuruh aku ke bilik nombor 5 untuk membuat ECG.

Di kaunter saringan, aku juga mendapat layanan yang mesra sehinggakan petugas wanita yang berjawatan pembantu jururawat itu membahasakan diriku sebagai "kak". Aku tidak menghiraukan panggilannya kerana aku merasakan selayaknyalah aku dipanggil sebegitu memandangkan usia aku jauh lebih tua darinya.

Ketika aku dipanggil masuk ke bilik nombor 5, petugas lelaki itu bertanyakan aku samada aku mahukan staf wanita melakukan proses ECG. Aku terkejut. Tanpa berfikir panjang aku mengatakan aku tidak ada masalah untuk mendapatkan ECG darinya. Dia menyuruh aku membuka rantai leher, gelang tangan dan mengeluarkan duit siling dari poket seluar palazo polka dot purple yang kupakai. Dia memberikan aku satu bakul comel untuk aku menyimpan barangan peribadiku. Dengan nada yang mesra dia menyuruhku untuk memaklumkan kepadanya setelah aku bersedia.

Beberapa minit kemudian seorang staf lelaki lain masuk. Dia menyuruh aku membuka baju. Aku menuruti arahannya. Dia mula mengenakan penyepit di kedua pergelangan tangan dan kakiku. Kemudian dia ingin menyepit di kawasan kiri dada. Dia memohon maaf kepadaku kerana terpaksa menyelak sedikit sport bra yang kupakai. Sekali lagi aku terkejut kerana staf lelaki itu dengan sopan memohon maaf.

Secara jujur, aku sendiri tidak memikirkan aku seorang mak nyah. Aku akan berhadapan dengan situasi bakal diperiksa petugas lelaki. Apa yang bermain difikiranku ketika mengeluarkan kad pengenalan semasa sesi pendaftaran tadi hanyalah aku tidak akan selesa apabila nama betul seperti yang tercatit di kad pengenalanku akan digunakan sepanjang berurusan di klinik ini.

Setelah semuanya selesai, aku mengucapkan terima kasih kepada petugas berkenaan. Aku kembali ke bilik rawatan nombor 3. Doktor memaklumkan aku perlu memulakan rawatan. Dia mengesahkan aku mempunyai kencing manis dan juga darah tinggi. Dia membelek cetakan ECGku dan memaklumkan aku tidak mempunyai masalah jantung kerana bacaannya normal. Tanpa diduga, ketika bertanyakan tentang latar belakang keluargaku seperti ada atau tidak ahli keluarga mengidap penyakit-penyakit kronik, dia juga bertanyakan samada aku selalu memakai kasut bertumit tinggi. Aku secara spontan menyatakan tidak kerana aku tidak akan bertahan memakainya untuk jangkamasa yang lama. Ini membuktikan bahawa doktor wanita itu beranggapan seorang wanita pastinya akan memakai kasut bertumit tinggi.

Kaunter yang terakhir perlu aku tempuhi sebelum boleh balik ialah kaunter farmasi. Aku menekan mesin nombor giliran, mengepil nombor yang keluar pada slip ubat dan menyimpan satu lagi nombor yang sama di tanganku. Aku duduk di salah satu kerusi plastik berwarna biru yang terdapat di depan kaunter berkenaan. 5 minit kemudian nomborku naik di ruang nombor giliran. Aku bangun dan berjalan menuju ke kaunter farmasi. Seorang staf wanita berbangsa cina membaca sekali lagi namaku. Aku merasakan dia terkejut kerana nama yang dibacakannya adalah nama lelaki tetapi yang berdiri didepannya adalah seorang wanita. Beberapa saat berlalu dan dia mungkin telah dapat menerima kenyataan bahawa pesakit yang ingin mendapatkan ubat itu sebenarnya adalah orang yang betul. Dia menerangkan tentang fungsi ubat dan aturan makannya dengan bersahaja selepas itu.

Apa yang dapat aku katakan, pengalaman mendapatkan rawatan di Klinik Kesihatan Gombak Setia itu sungguh menyenangkan walaupun aku adalah seorang mak nyah kerana layanannya tetap sama dengan pesakit lain. Tiada sebarang ungkapan negatif dilemparkan oleh kakitangan kesihatan di situ walaupun ada reaksi tidak percaya dari raut muka petugas bahawa yang berada di depan mereka adalah seorang yang berjantina lelaki. Aku membuat kesimpulan ini kerana mereka memanggil nama seorang lelaki tetapi yang datang/menyahut adalah seorang perempuan. Kepada Dr Intan Shafinaz Ja'apar dan team di KK Gombak Setia, sekalung tahniah dari saya