Swinburne University, Kids Speak team up for youth advocacy programme on Nov 9

KUCHING (Aug 27): Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak’s School of Design and Arts is teaming up with Kids Speak for a youth advocacy project titled ‘Say Yes!’ on Nov 9 at the university’s lecture theatre.

According to a statement, the collaboration aims to support four local non-government organisations (NGOs), namely the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Kuching Food Aid; Society for Critically Sick Children; and Sarawak Eco Warriors.

“The event will kick off with a charity bazaar and food donation drive for Kuching Food Aid from 8.30am-9.30am, followed by advocacy speeches at 10am delivered by senior students of Kids Speak, also known as Kairos Youths,” it said.

Swinburne’s School of Design and Arts head Associate Professor Dr Hugh Leong expressed his pride in the university’s ongoing partnership with Kids Speak, and said the university was proud to collaborate with them again.

“Fostering a sense of philanthropy and advocacy among our young children resonates deeply with our commitment to being future-focused and actively engaged in creating meaningful change both regionally and globally,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kids Speak principal Rebecca Chieng shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating it was the fourth time they were running ‘Say Yes’.

“While it gives the students an opportunity to speak for charity, it also raises awareness of the various needs in our community such as food insecurity, nature conservation, aiding critically-ill children and animal welfare.

“Over the past 10 years, we have collaborated with a total of 14 NGOs. Through volunteer work, we hope to foster empathy and compassion in the youths,” Chieng said.

The public is invited to attend the charity bazaar and contribute food items for Kuching Food Aid.

Tickets for the main event are available for purchase at RM40 per person, with all proceeds going to the four participating NGOs.

Kids Speak, a centre specialising in training students in oral communication and presentation skills, is handling ticket sales for the event. For more information, kindly contact Rebecca Chieng (016-878 0221).